VFW 9249 & Auxiliary, Grand Island, NY

06/13/2026

Happy Birthday US Army! June 14, 2026

For over 251 years, the Army continues to provide endless opportunities to serve the nation and remains committed to honing warfighting skills, enforcing standards, and living the values that have always defined Army culture. With over 200 career choices for Soldiers and more than 500 career paths for civilians, the Army champions personal growth and professional development, empowering Soldiers and civilians to be all they can be.

06/13/2026

Flag Day - June 14, 2026
Flags and banners have been emblems of civilization since ancient times. They served as symbols of identity, sovereignty and unity. The United States is no stranger to the evolution of its regional and national standards. Starting from the War for Independence, many different flags were used. First examples were adaptations of British Flags. The different colonies developed their own designs. In 1776, the first variation of the national flag was produced by Betsy Ross (according to legend). The three colors were RED for valor and bravery, White for purity and innocence and Blue for perseverance and justice. There were endless variations of the design produced by remote areas, territories, pre-states and admitted states.
The Stars and Stripes soared in popularity with the advent of the Civil War. When the South seceded, President Lincoln did not allow the stars representing the Confederate states to be removed.
Following World War I, there was a major push to standardize flag etiquette and prevent its use in advertising. This culminated in the National Flag Conference in 1923, which laid the groundwork for the formal U.S. Flag Code.
1942 – President Roosevelt approved the Federal Flag Code
1945 – The Flag that flew over Pearl Harbor on December 7 was raised over the White House on V-J Day.
1949 – President Truman signs the bill that June 14th will be designated Flag Day

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Today is is National Women Veterans Recognition Day.

As explained by the VA, this is not a Veterans Day just for women, but a celebration of the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act in 1948, which was significant in that is allowed women the right to permanently and fully serve in the regular armed forces (and to be recognized as veterans after doing so).

Prior to the signing of this act, military women (save for nurses) were sent home after each conflict. Many were not treated as veterans who served their nation, but like civilians. They were often denied the rights and benefits afforded to men who'd served beside them, simply because of their gender. The act "deemed women essential to war efforts and allowed them to serve in the regular armed forces full time," (Missina Schallus, VA news).

Women have served in conflicts and wars throughout America's history, including the Civil War and the Revolutionary War, in positions as nurses and support staff (and even as spies!).

The VA notes, "Currently, Women Veterans Recognition Day is a state-recognized commemoration. This year, the states of Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah... and Wisconsin will recognize" it, as will the Virgin Islands.

With that in mind, today and every day we salute women veterans, regardless of when, where, how or how long they served, or whether they reside in a state that recognizes the holiday. Thank you all.

06/08/2026

Are you familiar with the DPAA?

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is tasked with the arduous but essential task of identifying the remains of and bringing back home the soldiers who were Prisoners of War and/or Missing in Action from all American conflicts. Their mission is to "provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel from past conflicts to their families and the nation."

“The best way individuals can help with the identification of American unknowns from past conflicts is to provide your DNA as a Family Reference Sample (FRS)," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Natasha Waggoner, Deputy of Public Affairs for DPAA, based in Hawaii. “Contact your service casualty/mortuary office to learn more about the process of submitting your DNA sample.”

VFW Auxiliary Headquarters is looking to feature Auxiliary members whose loved ones have been identified thanks to the efforts of the DPAA and recent advances in DNA testing for an upcoming E-Newsletter article. If you would like to be interviewed, please email us at [email protected].

DPAA: https://www.dpaa.mil/

06/07/2026

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns is once again recognizing local veterans who have been bestowed the Purple Heart by inviting them to be included in the William J. Donovan Purple Heart Recipients Book of Merit.

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns is once again recognizing local veterans who have been bestowed the Purple Heart by inviting them to be included in the William J. Donovan Purple Heart Recipients Book of Merit.

06/06/2026

D-Day was June 6. Private Charles DeGlopper landed bt glider in Normandy on June 7. The 325 Infantry went into action on June 8 leading up to Charles's last stand on June 9. For the whole story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVpPHF-MB30

05/31/2026

Thank You to Everyone Who Supported Our Poppy Drive - VFW 9249 - Grand Island