×
×
homepage logo

Muncy VFW celebrates 75th anniversary

By Staff | Jan 21, 2011

A Jubilee award and a special commemoration was given to VFW Post 3428 in Muncy for their 75th anniversary on Friday evening after a celebration dinner. Standing L to R: Byron Hill, Picture Rocks, President of the Board; Charles Shreck, Montgomery, Quartermaster; Melvin Kepner, Hughesville, Post Commander; Kenneth G. Lowe, Muncy, Post Jr. Vice-Commander; and Douglas R. Holmes, Hughesville, Sr. Vice Commander.

MUNCY – VFW Post 3428 in Muncy has a lot to be thankful for as commanders, the ladies auxiliary and honored guests were recognized for their past achievements. On Friday evening, the organization celebrated its 75 year diamond jubilee anniversary. It actually originated January 5, 1936 and the citation given in their honor expresses this significant date in history. However, they celebrated on Jan. 15 with a dinner and recognition by awarding the citations from the House and Senate with Representative Everett and Senator Yaw, who were also veterans of war.

The organization was founded to assist needy veterans and their dependents and to promote camaraderie and patriotism. “The Veterans of Foreign Wars is one of our country’s largest veterans organizations,” commented Melvin K. Kepner, Post 3428 Commander. The VFW goes back to 1899 to secure rights and benefits for those who served our country honorable he said. It was named in honor of Private Edward J. Smith, son of A. Jackson and Elizabeth Opp Smith who lived on a farm near Lairdsville. He was a member of Company G 56th Pioneer Infantry. His regiment was scattered along the Argonne Sector of France in 1918 and was under constant shellfire.

There are currently 492 active members including 206 members of the ladies auxiliary. Located at 12 N. Market Street in Muncy since 1992, this is the third location for the VFW. The first meeting was held at 131 E. Water Street in Muncy. On Oct. 13, 1937 a second property was purchased at 21 S. Main Street at a sheriff’s sale from Muncy Banking Company.

Two years ago members discovered their post colors in the loft of the current building and realized that it should be on display. After it was sent to the cleaners, Jim Hoffman from Watsontown donated his time making an exquisite hardwood frame for the tapestry and one month ago, it was permanently hung for display under glass on one of the main walls of the VFW building, just in time for the 75th golden jubilee award. “We will also frame this and display it,” said Kepner.

Following the dinner prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary, State Jr. Vice-Commander, Gary Anders from Harrisburg presented the award to Post 3428 VFW. “This is the highest standard of service given to its community,” announced Commander Anders. Charles Shreck, Post 3428 Qaartermaster said, “Our forerunners did a great job putting this organization up for us to be proud of today.”