Holiday Cheer Shines Brightly at Veterans Christmas Party

Despite the pouring rain outside, it was all warm Christmas cheer inside at the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars holiday lunch. Being surrounded by the great men and women of Farmington who have served our country reminded all those there of the true meaning of the holiday season: to be thankful of the lives we are able to enjoy with our precious freedoms and the importance of coming together.

Farmington VFW Post 10361 hosted a holiday lunch for local veterans at George's Restaurant on Sunday, Dec. 12. Commander Lorren Pogson welcomed veterans and their families and local officials including State Representative-Elect Bill Wadsworth, Town Clerk Paula Ray, and Councilwoman Nancy Nickerson.

"It has long been a VFW tradition to have a holiday celebration to recognize local veterans and their families" explained Pogson. "Three of our members died this year and it is a nice chance for their families to keep in touch, as many have been involved in the VFW for over 20 years."

The post also holds a summer get together.

According to the VFW website, "the VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War … and the Philippine Insurrection…founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them and they were left to care for themselves. In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States." Today there are over 2 million VFW members worldwide.

VFW Post 10361 meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Farmington Community Center. All veterans of overseas conflicts are encouraged to attend meetings and join the organization.