Celebrating 250 Years of the U.S. Army

On Saturday, June 14th, our community gathered to commemorate a significant milestone: the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army. Despite some unforeseen weather challenges, the spirit of celebration and camaraderie was strong.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to tour and learn about a couple of vintage Army vehicles, offering a tangible link to military history. While unfortunate weather prevented other anticipated vehicles from joining, those present provided a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Army transportation.

The turnout of veterans was truly remarkable, creating a touching scene of shared experiences and mutual respect. We were particularly honored to host Thomas Cairns, a 99-year-old World War II veteran, whose presence was a true delight. His stories and insights were cherished by all who had the pleasure of speaking with him. On the other end of the spectrum, we were thrilled to welcome Anthony Barats, our youngest veteran in attendance, who made a surprise visit all the way from his post in Alaska!

The event also featured inspiring speeches from several distinguished guests. Tyler Burrell, Burlington County Commissioner, shared his remarks, as did Lynn Jenney, a Delran Councilman and a valued friend of our VFW. Our own leadership, Commander Bill Barats and Senior Vice Commander Joe Mullan, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of the Army's legacy and the continued dedication of its service members.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. Your presence, your generous donations of food, and your invaluable help with setup and cleanup were instrumental in creating a memorable celebration for all. Thank you for honoring the 250 years of the U.S. Army and for supporting our Veteran community.