Spicer Grimsley VFW Post Centennial celebration Sept. 21

This year will mark the 100th anniversary of VFW Post 257. It is the oldest continuously active Post in the state of Missouri. It was mustered in on Nov. 18, 1919, as Harris Spicer Post 257 with 17 chapter members. It derived its name form a local soldier serving with the AEF who was killed in action on Nov. 10, 1918, the day before the end of hostilities in WWI. Meynard Atkinson was elected as the first Post Commander. Its members have included veterans from every major conflict from the Spanish American War thru Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Post name was changed to Spicer Grimsley and the Charter amended on Aug. 25, 1948, to honor Vester Grimsley, the first local service member killed in WWII.

On April 3, 1930, the Ladies’ Auxiliary was chartered with 23 members. Leona Gilmore was elected as the first Auxiliary President. On Aug. 21, 2015, the organization was revised and the charter amended as Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. It is now open to both women and men.

The Post along with the Auxiliary has been involved in veteran’s service and community activities projects since their activation. Among these activities are providing honor guard details for deceased veterans and setting military grave markers, providing color guard for area events, sponsoring Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen and Teacher of the Year competitions at local schools, loaning of hospital equipment to those in need, supporting local youth activities, providing veterans assistance, donation of flags and flag poles to various community locations, providing Halloween treats to area children and parents, volunteer activities at the area hospital, nursing home, food pantry, meals on wheels and various other organizations.

We invite any service member who has served in a combat theater to join us. We meet on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. The Post is located on the corner of 1st and Pine Streets in El Dorado Springs. Come check us out.

The Post is anticipating a celebration of its 100th anniversary at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, which the public will be invited.