The VFW Auxiliary engages members and communities through its Americanism program, which forms the foundation for some of its educational and interactive community activities. The program states its three principal goals as 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. 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 in adhering to its goal of promoting patriotism, the Bristow VFW Auxiliary recently recognized businesses and organizations within the community who consistently displayed the American flag and honored our military throughout 2023. On behalf of Auxiliary 3656, member Letha Caudle presented each of the following businesses and organizations with a “Patriotic Citizen Award” certificate. Recipients included: Carrus Lakeside Hospital and Urgent Care at 700 West 7th Avenue, Pro-Tech Termite and Pest Services, Inc. at 136 West 6th Avenue, City of Bristow for Bristow City Hall at 110 West 7th Avenue, City of Bristow for Klingensmith Park at 800 West 7th Avenue, City of Bristow for Bristow City Cemetery, Magnolia Cemetery at 35010 West 211th Street South, United States Post Office at 124 West 6th Avenue, SpiritBank at 601 North Main Street, Community Bank at 104 South Main Street, Bristow Public Library at 111 West 7th Avenue, C & J Mercantile at 36921 West Highway 66, Quik Fix Gun & Pawn at 136 East 7th Avenue American Legion Post 126 at 131 West 8th Avenue, Bristow High School at 808 North Ash Bristow Middle School at 10 Weatherwood Way, Woodland Village at 131 East 9th Avenue Fellowship Church of the Nazarene at 301 East 4th Avby See VFW, Page Three enue, Walmart at 105 West Highway 16, Bristow Fire Department at 115 East 6th Avenue, Mid America Sale Barn and Farm Center at 36970 West Highway 16, Sooner Pecan Company at 118 East 8th Avenue.
In honor of all veterans, community patriotism, and its Americanism Program, the VFW Auxiliary will continue to recognize businesses and organizations displaying the flag and honoring veterans and military personnel through patriotic displays.
To learn more about the VFW Auxiliary, inquire about joining, share information, or support the organization via a donation, attend a meeting. Anyone with a close relative who has served abroad during a foreign conflict and was honorably discharged is eligible to join. The VFW Auxiliary meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the VFW.