Veterans come together to learn about the VFW and American Posts in Morgan County
Sep 17, 2024 11:22AM ● By Verlene Johnson
Veterans and their spouses enjoy the evening socializing with other veterans not only from Morgan County but veterans who join the VFW and American Legion Posts in Morgan coming from Weber County all the way from Salt Lake County. Courtesy photo
The Morgan County Auditorium was filled with veterans and their spouses enjoying an evening of socializing and eating good food. This event was sponsored by The Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post of Morgan County.
The evening started with a word of prayer, the “Pledge of Allegiance” followed by the singing of “God Bless America” before guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Hinds Country Store owners, Gary and DeLynn Patterson with piano entertainment by Taylor Smith.
The primary purpose of the VFW is to foster camaraderie among veterans of overseas conflicts and to serve the veterans and community. On March 5, 1946, the VFW of Morgan received its charter. The Post names honors brothers Norris and Burton Nelson who both died while serving their country in WWII.
There are two eligibility requirements to join the VFW. First, members must have served in the Armed Forces and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or currently be serving. Second, have served in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters.
To join the VFW of Morgan Contact Van Nelson at (801) 791-2669 or email [email protected].
The primary purpose of the American Legion is to enhance the well-being of veterans and their families and serve the community. To be eligible for membership in The American Legion, you must have served at least one day of federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941 and was honorably discharged or are still serving honorably.
To join the American Legion contact Larry Phelps at (801) 668-1452 or email [email protected].
“While the VFW and American Legion are separate organizations, we meet together on the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Veterans Room at the Courthouse,” said VFW Commander Van Nelson. They also join together in many community events; namely, flag ceremonies and color guards for community events, flag retirement ceremonies for school organizations, classes and religious organizations, honor guard for military funerals and wreath laying ceremonies. They also perform maintenance of the Veterans Memorial at the county courthouse, place flags at the cemeteries for Memorial Day along with programs at each of the four cemeteries and the Courthouse.
One of the favorite events of the community is Veterans in the Class. Veterans visit both middle schools to tell stories and help them to learn respect for those who fought for their freedom.
American Legion sponsors the Oratorical Scholarship Contest for High School students while the VFW sponsors the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest for High School Students and Patriot’s Pen Scholarship Contest for Middle School Students.
“The purpose of [Monday’s] event was to bring veterans and their spouses together for an evening of socializing with other veterans and spouses, to enjoy a good meal, entertainment,” said Nelson. “We have three socials a year for Post members and spouses.” Occasionally they will invite all Morgan County veterans and spouses who are not members, Monday night was one of those events. “It allows them to socialize with other veterans, have a good time, and perhaps have a desire to join one of the Posts. We are also there to answer any questions they may have.” Nelson said. λ