VFW Post 5877 holds fish fry to honor vets 11/8/2009 10:21 PM
By RACHEL JOHNSON Staff writer
A purple heart hangs on the wall inside the VFW Post 5877 with a plaque reading "America is #1 because of our veterans." This says it all as everyday young men and woman risk their lives in the name of freedom.
In honor of Veteran's Day, the local group who celebrates veterans year-round held a special event to recognize those who fearlessly defend freedom.
The VFW Post 5877, located on Midway Circle off Whiskey Road, held its annual Veterans Day Fish Fry on Saturday as a fundraiser for the group's relief fund which aids needy veterans. The post offers a place for veterans to unite in a mission to support one another, not just on Veteran's Day but year-round.
"Being a veteran myself, I am very thankful I'm alive and was able to serve my country," said J.D. Pickett, commander of VFW Post and a Navy veteran. "This is my seventh year as commander, and I am thankful for the opportunity to give back to the military for all they did for me."
On the third Monday of every month, VFW Post 5877 opens its doors to veterans currently in the VA hospital. They offer lunch and entertainment to their fellow comrades who have been injured during service.
"God bless all the people on active duty, and God bless all who served and the ones who didn't come home, who gave the ultimate," said Pickett.
The VFW Post 5877 focuses on reaching out to veterans year-round and has an open door.
"We welcome the public as guests. All veterans are always welcome, and you can become a member if you served overseas in a foreign war or in a combat zone or received hazard pay," said Pickett.
The post has a Ladies Auxiliary and is starting up a Men's Auxiliary. They have 135 members.
"We are seeing a lot of younger guys starting to join and participate. Our junior vice is in his mid-20s and a Marine Iraqi veteran," said Pickett.
The post is open seven days a week. Monday through Thursday, they are open from 4 p.m. until closing, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they open at 1 p.m. You may call the post at 648-0119.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
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Veterans day is a state and Federal holiday. Too bad that the veterans who don't work for the state or federal goverment don't get the holiday, and those many many many state and federal employees who never served in the miltary get a paid holiday. The veteran who is working this day is paying for their day off.
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