MEEKER I The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.
Your local Meeker American Legion was chartered in 1936. It grew and was a very important part of our community being responsible for the July 4 pageant and celebrations at one point.
Recently, several members of the Meeker VFW Post No. 5843 joined the American Legion in an effort to revitalize the organization locally. This long-time patriotic and very important organization to our community was to be shut down by the National American Legion late last month due to inactivity.
Meeker VFW Post Commander David Cole said, “I am happy to report to you that a new constitution and bylaws are being filed with the State of Colorado and the non-profit IRS filing is in progress. Records and ceremonial guns have been moved into the new home” of the Meeker VFW.
The Meeker VFW Post No. 5843 is happy to share its new home at 290 Fourth St. with Meeker’s American Legion Post No. 0074, the Nicholas Goeder Post.
“We will welcome all members or anyone interested in joining either the VFW or the American Legion at our next joint meeting, which is Monday at 5:30 p.m.,” Cole said, adding that dinner will be served and that the meeting will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m.
“It was interesting for me to discover that both organizations have nearly identical rituals and goals,” Cole said. “Both organizations have a long history of community service and are involved in patriotic education, honor guard services, veteran support and scholarships to name just a few.
“To serve in either organization one must have served in the military during time of war, with the main difference being that VFW members must have served in a combat zone,” he said.
For further details and membership information, contact Cole at 303-249-3700 or Rob Baughman at 970-942-3097 or, better yet, “show up at our meeting,” Cole said
“You are welcome to join and participate in either organization to the extent that you wish and are able,” he said.
