Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)  Calabash Post 7288, the VFW Auxiliary and friends gathered at the post, located on Carter Drive, to celebrate Flag day and the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army  on Saturday afternoon, June 14, 2025. Flag Day honors the flag resolution adopted by the Continental Congress  248 years ago, on June 14, 1777. What we fondly call the "Stars and Stripes” was first described in that resolution. "The flag of the United States shall be 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” White represents purity and innocence, Red stands for valor and hardiness and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Every American soldier carries the colors  on the right shoulder of their combat uniform.

Past Commander, Jim Milstead, two time winner of All American Post under his tutelage, presided over the ceremony. Milstead began by announcing, to a round of applause, that the new post commander, as voted in by the post, is General Wayne Grigsby, U.S. Army Retired. Commander Grigsby was unavailable, attending a VFW State Convention and sent his remarks to Jim to read in his place.  

After leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Milstead, currently the post Adjutant, read the new commander’s prepared remarks to the gathered crowd.  "The flag serves as a powerful reminder of the countless men and women who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding our democracy, upholding justice, and fostering peace both at home and abroad." wrote General Grigsby. "Their unwavering commitment exemplifies the highest ideals of duty, honor, country and service.” A fitting message for the Veterans attending.

Reflecting on the Army’s 250th birthday, Grigsby wrote: "Celebrating 250 years of service today, we honor the brave men and women of the United States Army- past, present, and future- whose sacrifices have secured our freedom and protected our way of life. Your commitment inspires us all and ensures that the ideals of duty, honor and service continue to thrive.” 

On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved to enlist companies of riflemen to join the army forming in the defense of Boston, giving birth to the Continental Army. Changing the course of the war for American independence, this army has, since then,  selflessly changed the history of the world forever. The VFW and its Auxiliary proudly joins a grateful nation to honor and congratulate the United States Army on its 250th birthday. Since its inception, even before the United States existed as a nation, the U.S. Army has stood strong as the bedrock of our country’s defense, embodying courage, resilience and unwavering commitment.  

"I don’t know if I can read this last part” quipped Jim, a veteran of the U. S. Navy, with a smile. With an exaggerated look of disgust Jim read the General’s final words: " "GO ARMY; BEAT NAVY!” eliciting laughs and cheers from the gathered veterans.

Julia Larsen came forward to present a Quilt of Valor, to an Army Veteran, asking Diane Larrowe, who served during Dessert shield and Dessert Storm to step forward. A shocked Diane was surprised and pleased as her friends and fellow veterans cheered for her while Julia wrapped the colorful, flag inspired quilt around her shoulders. The Mission of the Quilts of Valor foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Julia Larson has been actively involved as a quilter and member of the auxiliary carrying out this important mission.

Five Army veterans stood to be recognized and cut the birthday cake. In the sacred military tradition, both the youngest and the oldest members present shared the honor. Gulf War Veteran, Bill Brown and Vietnam Veteran, Jay Bertha, shared the knife, cutting the cake to a round of applause. 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars traces its roots back to 1899, when returning Veterans banded together to fight for veterans rights which helped establish the Veterans Administration, The GI Bill and the National Cemetery system.  Today, the nearly 1.6 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 9.4 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. If you are an honorably discharged veteran of a foreign war, we invite you to join us. Call the VFW Calabash Post 7288 at 910-579-3577 for information about joining.