A member of Monroe’s VFW Post 7511 salutes a grave with wreath in hand at the IOOF Cemetery in Monroe in December 2023 as part of the VFW’s annual wreath placing to honor veterans in the cemetery.
VFW Post 7511 photo
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) celebrates its 125th anniversary on Sept. 29.
Snohomish County VFW Posts are located in Everett, Snohomish, and Monroe, which make up District 1. Monroe is home to VFW Post 7511 and its Auxiliary, both of which provide a wide range of services and support for local veterans and their families.
Most VFW Posts hold regular meetings for both veterans and members of the auxiliary.
“VFW meetings are open to veterans who have served honorably in the U.S. military and have been deployed to hazardous duty areas. They are also open to Auxiliary members, a volunteer arm of the VFW composed of family members dedicated to helping veterans in the community,” said VFW Post 7511 Commander Juanita Pettersen.
Her post just added a new member: A World War II veteran.
Everett VFW Post 2100 will host a ceremony on Sept. 29 to celebrate the VFW’s 125th anniversary. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. at their home Post, located at 2711 Oakes Ave. in Everett. The public is invited to speak with combat veterans from Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Attendees can learn more about the VFW’s mission and its services for veterans and the community. Food, entertainment, and a silent auction will be available.
Furthermore, VFWs in Snohomish County’s District 1 will hold a Warbirds & Whiskey: A Veteran’s Benefit Gala on Oct. 19 at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum in Everett. This formal WWII victory-themed event will feature a VIP cocktail hour, dinner, drinks, live Big Band-style music, and both live and silent auctions. Proceeds will support VFW District 1 and its nine posts in Snohomish County.
In addition to Monroe and Everett, Snohomish also has an active VFW that offers monthly events, including physical training sessions,
social gatherings, and occasional Post dinners at nearby restaurants to raise money for the VFW.
The VFW was created on Aug. 1, 1914, through the merger of three national war-veteran societies that were established in 1899 shortly after the Spanish-American War. The three groups merged during a convention in Pittsburgh to form the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
To join the VFW, the applicants are U.S. citizens who currently serve or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. military, and who have served in a war or conflict outside the U.S.
The VFW aims to foster friendships among veterans who served overseas, support veterans and their families, and advocate for their rights. The organization ensures veterans are respected and receive their benefits. Based in Washington, D.C., the VFW operates programs to assist disabled veterans with compensation, pensions, and job opportunities. It has more than 6,000 local groups, known as “Posts,” with its national headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
Commander Pettersen described what the Monroe VFWs offer: “We focus on community outreach, veteran advocacy, and fostering camaraderie among veterans. Key activities include helping veterans navigate their benefits, organizing local events like the annual ‘Flags for Our Fallen’ 5K race and golf tournament, and managing initiatives such as Wreaths Across America, which honors fallen veterans by placing holiday wreaths on gravesites.”
As the organization marks this significant milestone, it invites everyone to participate in upcoming events and celebrate the sacrifices of those who served and ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.
Monroe VFW events
Throughout the year, Monroe’s VFW hosts a variety of events, including:
• Fridays: Art Gallery open from 3 to 7 p.m., showcasing local talent.
• Oct. 5: Cleanup at the Monroe IOOF Cemetery, honoring veterans by cleaning gravestones.
• Oct. 31: Downtown Monroe Trick or Treat event at the Post home for a festive Halloween experience.
• Nov. 9-11: Annual Poppy Drive, culminating in a special Veterans Day event on Nov. 11 at the IOOF Cemetery.
• Dec. 14: Wreaths Across America wreath placement at the Monroe IOOF and Duvall Cemeteries.
• Jan. 18, 2025: Wreath pick-up at the same cemeteries.
• May 17, 2025: Flags for Our Fallen 5K, promoting fitness while honoring those who served.
