On a hot July 4th, 2026, America’s 250th birthday, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Calabash Post 7288 gathered in the air conditioned coolness of the post hall bearing covered dishes. There was no Parade. There were no fireworks. However, there was plenty of good food, good fellowship and the camaraderie of nearly 100 members, family and friends coming together for a special patriotic celebration. Red, white and blue attire dominated, as did sparkly glltter makeup for many of the ladies. American flags were distributed and waved throughout the day. After reading greetings from the post commander and the VFW National commander, the auxiliary chaplain, Julia Larsen, recited a prayer to bless the occasion and remember those patriots that played a role throughout the years to ensure our continued freedom. Soon loud patriotic music competed with the even louder conversations of old and new friends celebrating this historic occasion. The kitchen opened the serving window and a line quickly formed to buy hot dogs and burgers. The kitchen team, lead by Auxiliary Vice President Wayne Weszka and Post Sr. Vice Commander and Navy Veteran Jeff Puglisi, had been preparing mountains of  meat for the hungry partygoers. Tables around the hall groaned under the weight of comestibles  brought by the members to share. Deviled eggs, cole slaw, potato salad, chips and dips, crockpots and casseroles vied for spots on the hungry diners plates. On the opposite side of the room a Red white and Blue Flag sheet cake, surrounded by platters of cookies, brownies and sweets, quietly exclaimed "leave some room for dessert!” 

After dinner, Auxiliary President Cathy Milstead started drawing tickets for door prizes. Everyone attending got a ticket and dozens of shiny, sparkly  red, white and blue trinkets where given away in an excitement charged atmosphere resembling "lets make a deal” from 1976! Suddenly the opening bars of the song "Proud to be an American” blasted from the speakers and everyone jumped up, scrambling into a huge line that snaked around the post hall and into the canteen. People joined hands and proudly sang along, thrusting their linked hands high while loudly singing the  chorus, "Proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free…” It is an awesome experience that has become a time honored tradition at VFW Calabash Post 7288. 

With full tummies and prizes in hand more games were announced including a dart tournament, won by Bo Dolan, Kathy Perriman and Frank Brindzik followed by corn hole competitions. Others chose a quiet corner to visit with friends. The shadows of approaching twilight grew longer signaling the end of a fun celebration marking our nations 250th birthday.  As guests started saying their goodbyes and slipping away they all remarked about how much fun they had. Tired volunteers smiled with the quiet satisfaction of knowing their hard work resulted in a successful celebration for their fellow members.

Team VFW Post 7288 builds camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts and the Auxiliary in order to serve Veterans, the military, our community and advocates on behalf of all Veterans. If you are a veteran that served in a war zone you may be eligible  to become a regular member.  If you have a family member who served in a war zone you may become  a member of the Post's Auxiliary. Come by the Post to see what we are all about and pick up a membership form.