VFW Post 7859 in Manassas marks 70th anniversary

For 70 years Francis Cannon VFW Post 7589 has been serving the needs of the veterans and the community.

To celebrate the occasion of its 70th anniversary, the post conducted a special commemorative event on June 4 at its Manassas post on Centreville Rd., next to the Manassas firehouse.

Post Commander Peter MacLeod welcomed the veterans and introduced the special guests.

They included State Senator Charles Colgan, who served 40 years in the General Assembly until his retirement at the end of 2015;  Delegate Rich Anderson (R-51), Manassas Mayor Harry ‘Hal” Parrish II, nephew of Francis Cannon for whom the post is named; Judy Radcliffe, niece of Cannon; John Gregory, charter member of the post which was formed on June 6, 1946 and the post’s first commander.

Also Merle Hancock, early member of the post who was a Prisoner of War of the Germans in Poland, was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star; Doug Keller, commander of the Virginia VFW; Tom Gimble, senior vice commander of the Virginia VFW; and Jerry Martin, former commander who gave a presentation on the post’s namesake, Francis Cannon.

The program also included the Presentation of Colors by Wayne Moore and Warren Ewell; Invocation and dinner blessing by Joel Chase; Pledge of Allegiance by Lou Filippone; and introduction of speakers by former Commander Ron Link.

Among the highlights of the evening was a Commendation from the Manassas City Council read by Parrish. It reads in part:
* On June 6, 1946, 74 men who fought in World Wars I and II came together to form the Veterans of Foreign Wars Francis Cannon Post 7589, named in honor of Francis Cannon, a young Manassas soldier whose life was extinguished on June 29, 1944 on the Island of Saipan by a sniper bullet;
* Over the years, the Post has grown from the 74 to 371.

Membership includes veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Worldwide War on Terror.

In addition, the post has an Auxiliary of 80 members who are all dedicated to helping fellow veterans and communities throughout the United States.
 
*  Since its beginnings, the post has served the area by its numerous scholastic programs, including awarding scholarships through its Voice of Democracy contest, Patriot’s Pen essay contest and the Auxiliary Patriotic Art contest while assisting veterans in need.

“I’m very proud of you and you can be proud of your selves. I commend you on your 70th anniversary and wish you continued success in the future,” Parrish concluded.

Anderson, who is deeply engaged in military and veterans matters in the state, chairs the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus and is a member of the Virginia Board of Veterans along with other boards and commissions, told the gathering that “it’s a great privilege to be with you all on the important occasion of the 70th anniversary of the post—congratulations.”

He presented a proclamation honoring the post from the House of Delegates.

He also informed the veterans that Vint Hill in Fauquier County has been named the site of new veterans care center for Northern Virginia with 120 beds and 300 jobs. It is expected to open in 2019. Prince William County had offered a 25-acre site in Manassas off Ashton Avenue for the center.

Gregory said an ad ran in the local paper about the forming of the post and the result was the establishment of the post on June 6, 1946 with 27 charter members.

Gregory said he remembers “bringing carnivals with their rides and other attractions to Manassas to raise funds to build the post home.” The post now has 360 members, the highest in its history.

“We have done a lot of good in the community and its great to be here tonight,” he said.

The post has been a major contributor to the community, supporting food banks, nursing home visitations, scouts, teachers, students and other residents in need. In 2007, the post received the VFW’s National Community Service Award.