Members of VFW Post 3873 in Naperville, Illinois, gathered to commemorate the organization’s 125th anniversary during a ceremony on Sept. 29 at the Chicago suburb’s Judd Kendall VFW Hall.
(From left to right) VFW Post 3873 Commander Staci Boyer and Naperville Mayor Scott Wherli on Sept. 29 display a proclamation that declared the day as “VFW Day.” Courtesy of VFW POST 3873Post 3873 Commander Staci Boyer led the event, which brought together members, community supporters and local officials to honor VFW’s legacy and contributions to veterans and the community.
“The founders thought, how do we create some kind of organization that is going to make sure that veterans going forward for years and years and generations are taken care of medically and mentally?” Boyer asked. “The fact that they created the VFW and what it is today is remarkable.”
Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli opened the evening by reading a proclamation that declared Sept. 29 as “VFW Day” in the community. Wehrli also announced the redesignation of a nearby street to “Judd Kendall 125th Anniversary VFW Memorial Parkway.”
The evening included the donation of memorial markers representing each military service, which was presented by Sister’s Concrete Creations.
Guests – including members of Post 3873’s Auxiliary, veterans, spouses and community members – enjoyed dinner, live music and opportunities to share stories and memorabilia from various military service eras. Artifacts included scrapbooks, uniforms and other preserved items brought in by members and their families.
“It’s a beautiful experience, not just for the 125th anniversary of the VFW, but for all our members,” Boyer said.
Submitted by Jennifer Phillips, VFW Post 3873
This article is featured in the 2024 November/December issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.