Around the World with Fritz: VFW Founder's Day in Columbus Ohio

Today is the birthday of the Veterans of Foreign Wars! Facebook is full of short squibs from many people providing a few words or facts about that evening in a small tailor shop in Columbus Ohio on September 29, 1899. Well, I was in Columbus over the weekend and I attended many events celebrating this wonderful day! So, sit back, and I’ll fill you in!

Ohio State Commander Fred Lavery, Senior Vice Commander Jim Hordinski, and National Councilmember Chris Haynes took me under their collective wings and off we went! First Stop: We toured the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. I’ll write separately about that. After the Museum, we visited the Plaque commemorating the actual spot where James Romanis and the other Founders met. While the tailor shop is long gone, the plaque clearly tells the story. The National President of the Auxiliary, Sandi Onstwedder, with the Ohio auxiliary members, joined us and it was nice to have a joint VFW-Auxiliary presence at the spot where it all began. I even got the shirt, which has a nice replica of the Plaque. As people broke off into groups to talk, I stood on that location and reflected about the character of those men. They took a stand, they started something new, they were prepared to fight for what they felt was owed to them for their service. A daunting task and we continue that fight even today. I felt a quiet pride being part of this legacy. We finished the day with a great dinner and entertainment at the Whitehall VFW Post 8794. What a great place and it is a family affair! Christine is the Past All American Post Commander and currently serves as the Post Adjutant and Quartermaster. Her husband, Rick, is currently serving as the Ohio District 11 Commander.

Early on Saturday morning we drove to the 300 plus acre Greenlawn Cemetery where Founder Romanis is buried. The Founder of the VFW is so revered here there is a permanent red line on the road in this sprawling, stately place of rest so you are taken directly to the monument and grave marker! While the monument gets most of the attention, a few yards away is the actual headstone, attesting to a Spanish American war veteran who has gone on to his Creator. About 300 people showed up on this bright, crisp morning to march in the parade and enjoy the program. The parade consisted of National and State officers, Districts, Posts, Motorcycle Riders Groups, and several Honor and Color Guards. Very impressive!

The Program itself went off without a hitch. Several speakers provided the background and history of Founder’s Day and I was very impressed with Commander Lavery and National President Sandi’s heartfelt comments. This wasn’t just another speaking engagement…this was the beginning of the VFW! Commander Lavery and I placed a wreath at the base of the monument. Actually, HE placed the wreath and I watched. If I had been down there with him it would have taken two men and a crane to pick me up as my back was not cooperating! It was truly an honor to place my Commander’s coin atop the monument. We slowly saluted and returned to our positions at the podium. I then witnessed something that was new to me: The actual building of the “Battle Cross” in front of the monument while a narration of what each part played in its creation was announced to the audience. Very solemn and educational. The program ended with a rifle volley and the playing of Taps. Holding my salute as those notes echoed throughout the cemetery, the fresh smell of gunsmoke wafting over us, evoking for many memories of days long ago, I realized how fortunate I am to hold this position in the VFW! I get to represent the million plus men and women who still to this day carry on the legacy that began so many years ago.

For those of you who have never been to a Founder’s Day ceremony at the cemetery, here’s a YouTube link of the entire event. And, before I get raked over the coals, we were not technically “marching”…nonetheless I’m pretty proud of myself for being the only person in step! I am extremely fortunate that I was able to make that distance. My recovery has been a bit slow and painful.

https://youtu.be/GdcMDr7FVno

Also, a local news station, Channel 4, was present and here’s a link to their print article and video coverage of the event. Well done and thank you for covering the event so your viewers could share in what the VFW does! And, thanks for the promotion to National Commander although I’m sure our current Commander in Chief will have a few words for me after he sees this!

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/hundreds-turn-out-to-celebrate-founding-of-vfw/

After the Greenlawn events, about 150-175 of the audience assembled at the Paul S. Lawrence VFW Post 9857. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, not everyone could attend this portion of the program. After a very nice luncheon, National President Sandi and I addressed the crowd. Sandi is a great speaker and her words come from the heart. I feel I never quite measure up when I’m sharing the stage with her—she is so inspirational! Founder’s Day awards were presented to several Ohio VFW members for their outstanding dedication and fidelity to Ohio and Veterans. This is a premier award and their names are now engraved along with all the other past recipients over the years on a beautiful plaque that will remain on display at the Ohio VFW State headquarters. I was without words when Commander Lavery presented me with an engraved wooden plaque, declaring me a recipient of the James Romanis Honorary Award. I accepted it on behalf of all the men and women of the VFW who placed their trust in me to lead our great organization. I may get the award, but it’s only because of all the hard work they do on a daily basis.

Now, please enjoy some of the pictures from my fantastic trip to Ohio for this year’s Founder’s Day events!