VFW receives Craftmanship Award at Tournament of Roses Parade

VFW Magazine, March, 2003

VFW's community outreach spans many avenues throughout the country. From vets interacting with children to participating in the 114th Rose Bowl Parade, VFW members are in the forefront of civic service.

Here's a look at what Posts have been doing, as well as a photo of VFW's entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena, Calif.

VFW and Ladies Auxiliary received the "Craftmanship Award" for their float--America's Youth, Sounds of Freedom--in the 114th Tournament of Roses Parade, Jan. 1. Some 10,000 red and white roses, 5,000 blue ribbon irises and 8,000 Gerber daisies were used in the construction of the 100-foot float. In addition to VFW and Ladies Auxiliary national officers, representatives from Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen and Boy and Girl Scouts rode on the float, which was constructed by VFW members.

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John Crane and Roger Tornow of Post 4407 in Gulf Breeze, Fla., demonstrate the proper way to fold the U.S. flag to students at Gulf Breeze Elementary School. Crane and Tornow spent three days teaching 705 students about the flag. Each student was given a "VFW Young American Award" for participating. Though the Korean War vets were there to promote patriotism, they received recognition from the students. "In one classroom, each student presented us with homemade cards thanking us for being their heroes," Crane said. "These kids really knew how to make two old soldiers teary-eyed."

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WWII veteran Edward Zelinski looks over war memorabilia during a salute to veterans at Weeki Wachee Mobile Home Park in Brooksville, Fla., last year. Members of Post 10209 of Spring Hill assisted park coordinator Aggie Zelinski in setting up displays ranging from the Civil War through the Persian Gulf War. Aggie said members were able to tell her whether or not she was properly displaying military memorabilia, such as medals. Post officers also conducted a POW/MIA ceremony.

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If your Post plans to participate in a community service event, please be sure to take, clear action-oriented pictures with VFW members. Before mailing in your pictures to VFW, please call or write for the VFW in Action Guidelines. And please, do not send any more Post color guard submissions.

VFW Magazine
VFW in Action
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