Veterans of Libby and the local VFW Post 1548 have returned from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Desert Storm and Shield and from Afghanistan, and now the Post is commemorating its Diamond Jubilee on July 10.

   The Post was formed on July 10, 1937, with an original 37 chartered members, none of whom survive.

   Post 1548 will commemorate its 75th anniversary with a ceremony at 7 p.m. Wednesday during its regular meeting.

  “This is a tremendous event and a tribute to how the Post has grown from its original 37 to 307 members,” said Post 1548 Commander Rick Napier, who took command July 1.

   Napier encouraged all veterans to take part in the the post, as there are benefits to membership for all veterams.

   “We encourage all veterans in Libby and Lincoln County to join their respective posts. Membership is key to securing veterans’ benefits.”

    Richard L. Eubank, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, announced the presentation of a Diamond Jubilee Award citation to the post.

   The post will mark the  actual date Sunday with a presentaiton Wednesday.

   “This is a very significant milestone for a VFW Post,” Eubank said in announcing the award. 

   “This Diamond Jubilee Award recognizes dedication, determination, hard work and a lot of patriotism.

   “And it recognizes 75 years of serving the needs of local veterans and their families; and 75 years of service to the local community, and 75 years of contributing to the strength, power and influence of our national organization.  In presenting this award, I send my sincere thanks and appreciation to the members of VFW Post 1548.”

   A local ceremony will be held at the post.

  The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans’ service organization composed of combat veterans and those who currently serve on active duty or in the Guard and Reserves.

   Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation’s largest organization of war veterans and is one of its oldest veterans’ organizations.  

   With 2.1 million members located in 7,500 VFW Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to “honor the dead by helping the living” through veterans service, legislative initiatives, youth scholarships, Buddy Poppy and national military service programs. Annually, the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 11 million hours of community service to the nation. For more information or to join, visit the organization’s Web site at www.vfw.org.