Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post Serving Oakland To Close

By JACK GOUDSWARD

It is with sadness and regret that the venerated Post 5702 will close in July. This is due to lack of membership and monetary considerations both of which have lead to the closing.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars can tract its roots back to when Veterans of the Spanish American War and the Philippine Insurrection founded local organizations to secure the benefits of their service.

This post was established in 1963 and served the towns of Franklin Lakes and Oakland. During its time the post served veterans from the following wars and conflicts, World War 1 ,World War II, Korea, Dominican Republic, Viet Nam, Lebanon, Operation Just Cause, Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Maritime Intercept, Operation Southern Watch, Afghanistan, War on Terrorism and Iraq. They also send “Care Packages” to our town service personal on active duty.

But this post did not only serve veterans it reached into the communities it served. The post organized and participated in the towns Memorial Day Parade. It placed flags on the graves of Veterans in the local cemetery. Contributed financially to help support Disabled Veterans Organizations. They recognized and honored members of the local Police, Fire Dept and Ambulance Squad. They provided speakers to the local schools and presented the “Commander Pat Mennella Citizenship Award” to a student in the Franklin Avenue Middle School each year for volunteerism. They sponsored the “Voice of Democracy” Essay Contest in both local High Schools and well as the “Patriot’s Pen” essay contest in the Franklin Avenue Middle School. They presented Flag etiquette classes, Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem classes to both Boy and Girl Scout Troops so they could earn their Citizenship Badge. The Post also presented cash awards and certificates to the members of the scouts who attained Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold Award.

Over the years I have come to know many of the members of VFW Post 5702. I have experienced their dedication to serve veterans, according to the by-laws of their National organizational by-laws. In more recent conversations with them I know this decision was difficult to make. Unfortunately, they had no other choice.

But most of all the Past has kept alive the memory of the thirteen town residents who made the “Supreme Sacrifice” so we can live in a land with many freedoms. Thank you for your service VFW Post 5702.