For his birthday on July Fourth this year, John “Foy” Day gifted himself and his hometown of Montgomery, Texas, with the grand opening of VFW Post 12223.
VFW’s latest charter, dubbed “The Birthplace of the Lone Star,” was officially opened during a ceremony at The Lone Star Community Center following Montgomery’s Freedom Fest parade on July 1.
Charter members of VFW Post 12223 pose for the first-ever photo during a grand opening ceremony on July 1 at The Lone Star Community Center in Montgomery, Texas. Photo courtesy of John “Foy” Day.As its new commander, Day welcomed Post 12223’s first 34 members, who received recognition from a list of keynote speakers that included Montgomery County Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker and Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Steven Hummer.
"It's truly a privilege and an honor to open and establish a brand-new Post home that was very much needed in the community,” said Day, who served 33 years in the Navy, to the Montgomery Courier. “It’s the legacy I hope to leave behind for the community.”
Spearheading the project, Day began discussions for a new Post in Montgomery, about 55 miles north of Houston, in April, citing the need for a Post in his hometown that aligned with VFW’s mission.
"We wanted to create the kind of Post that promotes family activities through patriotism, teaching students about American heritage and demonstrating the proper care of the U.S. flag,” Day told the local paper. “These programs will be taught to Montgomery and Willis [near Montgomery] students as well as scouting units, first responders and older adults.”
VFW Post 12223 now joins four other charters in Montgomery County, a cohort of Texas veterans under the VFW umbrella in Conroe, the Woodlands, Porter and Magnolia.