The VFW Auxiliary engages its members and communities through its Americanism program. The program forms the foundation for some of its educational and interactive community activities and consists of three principal goals: promoting patriotism, teaching respect and proper care for the American flag, and drawing attention to prisoners of war and those missing in action through special educational ceremonies and instructional materials.
This year, as part of its Americanism program, the Bristow VFW Post 3656 Auxiliary began recognizing local businesses and organizations for consistently flying the American flag throughout the year.
The VFW Auxiliary defines Americanism as “an unfailing love of country, loyalty to its institutions and ideas; eagerness to defend it against all enemies; undivided allegiance to the flag; and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty and posterity.” With this idea of Americanism in mind and adhering to its goal of promoting patriotism, the Bristow VFW Auxiliary desired to recognize those businesses and organizations within the community expressing their patriotism by consistently flying the American flag throughout the year.
In its first act of recognition, Bristow VFW Auxiliary President Letha Caudle has presented each of the following businesses or organizations with a “Patriotic Citizen Award” certificate. Recipients include:
• Pro-Tech Termite and Pest Services, Inc. at 136 W. 6th Avenue
• City of Bristow, City Hall, at 111 W. 7th Avenue
• United States Post Office at 124 W. 6th Avenue
• SpiritBank at 601 N. Main Street
• Community Bank at 104 S. Main Street
• The House Building, owned by Trina Ishmael-Rowland, at 301-305 N. Main Street
• The Beach House at 223 S. Main Street
• Bristow Medical Center at 700 W. 7th Avenue
• Bristow Public Schools, all campuses
• Shooter’s Shop at 207 S. Main Street
• Bristow Historical Society, Frisco Depot, at 1 Railroad Place
• Rainbow Health Care Community at 111 E. Washington Avenue
• Hutchins Maples Matherly Funeral Home at 119 N. Chestnut
The VFW Auxiliary will continue to recognize businesses and organizations in the future as well. Anyone interested in learning about the proper care of flags, acquiring VFW Auxiliary informational flag handouts for children, or wanting further information about the Bristow VFW Post 3656 Auxiliary may email requests to vfw3656auxiliary@gmail.com