The spirit of camaraderie and service was on full display at the Fred Quant VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 3901 in Algonac, Mich. thanks to a visit by a group of Canadians who stopped by to spread some poppies and goodwill.
Shawn Newman of Chatham led a group of Chatham-Kent residents from across Chatham-Kent who visited the Post on Nov. 2.
“I received a box of poppies from a Legion member in Chatham,” he said. “A friend had been in contact with VFW officials who welcomed us with open arms.”
VFW Posts in the U.S. are akin to Legions in Canada.
Newman said the group didn’t seek donations from the VFW members but will donate to the Legion poppy fund on their behalf.
Although some of the VFW members had visited Royal Canadian Legion branches, most didn’t grasp the relevance of the poppy to Canadians.
Post quartermaster and past commander Jim Harris, an army veteran, lauded the fact that the poppy commemorates the sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price for their country.
“We commemorate Nov. 11 on Veterans Day in America,” he said. “Like Remembrance Day in Canada, we have a service at 11 a.m.” It’s great that you’re here. We all have something in common and it’s that commonality that brings us together.”
VFW membership is limited to those who served in the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat area.
The Post currently has about 250 members and is rebounding after suffering through the COVID pandemic when activities were curtailed.
Harris, who was deployed in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968, said the Post is a mix of veterans from various branches of the service and different eras.
The Post celebrated its 80th anniversary this year.
Don Fiorani, navy veteran from 1964 to 1967 aboard the USS Hawkins has been a member for 10 years.
“It’s a great place,” he said.
Eric Vogler, a veteran of Afghanistan, said he didn’t want to join the VFW when he concluded his service.
“I wasn’t ready,” he said. “But when I see the good the VFW does and how some of our members are getting older, I knew that joining and helping support was important. It’s my turn to do what I can.”
Army veteran Paul Shay said the Post is an important part of the community.
“As a non-profit group we can help veterans in a lot of ways.”
Robert Szyska, who serves as the Post chaplain, is a navy veteran who, from 1966 to 1970, spent time aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise off the coast of Vietnam.
“I always wanted to join the navy since I was a kid because of the sailor on the old Cracker Jack box,” he said. “I loved it, but once we hit a typhoon coming out of the Philippines. Winds over 100 mph. It was interesting.
“Our commanders were like fathers to us,” he continued. “We were only 19 or 20 years old.”
He was one of four brothers who served.
“I got to see a lot of the world because of the navy,” he said. “I had never been out of Michigan before except for a few trips to take my mother to Sarnia so she could play bingo. It was hard for my parents but they knew they were doing our duty.”
He grew up on a vegetable farm and wanted nothing to do with farming. After a 43-year career with Chrysler, he retired to a small farm and started growing vegetables.
“I liked it this time because I wanted to do it, not because I had to,” he laughed. “I donate the food to different groups. It’s been a good life.”
Harris said he was glad to spend some time with the visiting group. “Canadians are always welcome here,” he said. “Thank you for being with us.”
