NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS MONTH

National PTSD Awareness Month is observed every June to raise public awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Independence Day

Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday celebrated in the United States on July 4th. This holiday celebrates the Declaration of Independence, a document adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776 which officially declared the thirteen American colonies' legal separation from Great Britain.

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day is observed on July 27th each year to commemorate the end of the Korean War and honor those veterans who served there.

POST MEETINGS

VFW Post 5744 meets the second Thursday of the month, September through May, at 5:30 p.m., at the South Berwick Community Center, 71 Norton Street, South Berwick, Maine. A member provided meal is served.

HONOR GUARD

Our Honor Guard provides military honors at funerals, memorial services, and other events. Ceremonies may include posting and retrieving Colors (Flags), folding and presenting the American flag, three-volley gun salutes, and/or the playing of “Taps”. There are 13 members in our combined VFW (Post 5744) / American Legion (Post 79) Honor Guard.

INFO

USS WASHINGTON (SSN-787)

The community of South Berwick, Maine and VFW Post 5744 are hosting the USS Washington (SSN 787) and its dedicated crew of more than 130 personnel for the duration of its availability at the Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard. This Virginia-class attack submarine arrived at PSNY on September 27, 2024, where it will undergo scheduled maintenance and system upgrades.

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WELCOME TO VFW POST 5744

The South Berwick Memorial Post
VFW Post 5744 is a Veterans Service Organization that helps area veterans in  need and promotes Americanism, Nationalism, and Patriotism in the Berwick, Lebanon, North Berwick, and South Berwick areas. The Post leads local observances of Flag Day, Loyalty Day, Memorial Day, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and Veterans' Day. And, in conjunction with "Charles S. Hatch" American Legion Post 79, we support an Honor Guard to carry out the traditions of honoring the United States flag and to provide military honors at veterans funerals, memorial services, and celebrations of life.

No Once Does More For Veterans

Announcements

Post 5744 does not hold regular meetings in June, July and August. Regular meetings will resume in September. 
 
While we do not meet in the Summer months, this is a critical time for our Post as we operate our Concessions Stand Fundraisers at various venues throughout the summer, We will need 3 - 4 VFW members at each of these events:
  • Saturday, July 4: We will join AL Post 87 from 10:00 - 2:00 at Mill Field in North Berwick for a celebration of the country's 250th Anniversary. 
  • Wednesday, July 8: We will offer dinner and snacks from 6:30 - 8 at the Hot Summer Nights Concert at Shoetown Park in South Berwick,
  • Wednesday, July 15: We will offer dinner and snacks from 6:30 - 8 at the Hot Summer Nights Concert at Shoetown Park.
URGENT: On Friday, July 17th Post 5744 and the Town of South Berwick will host a cookout and activities day for members of the USS Washington (SSN 787) and their families at Shoetown Park - roughly 250 participants are expected. The cookout will feature a pig roast. We will need many hands at this activity. Please plan on helping!
  • Wednesday, July 22: We will offer dinner and snacks from 6:30 - 8 at the Hot Summer Nights Concert at Shoetown Park.
  • Wednesday, July 29: We will offer dinner and snacks from 6:30 - 8 at the Hot Summer Nights Concert at Shoetown Park.
  • Wednesday, August 5: We will offer dinner and snacks from 6:00 - 7:30 at the Hot Summer Nights Concert at Shoetown Park.
  • Wednesday, August 12: We will offer dinner and snacks from 6:00 - 7:30 at the Hot Summer Nights Concert at Shoetown Park.
  • Wednesday, August 19: We will offer meals and snacks from 5 - 9 at Lantern Festival at the Spring Hill Event Center, (Note: Rain Date Thursday, August 20.)
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, August 22: Annual Post Picnic at Mal Kenney's home.

Commander's Corner

Commander Jeffrey Chase

VFW Post 5744's goals parallel VFW National Goals; to increase our membership, improve communications, and reinforce our fundraising efforts. We are also striving to become more visible in our community.


Our concession sales efforts have provided greater visibility in our community; tying our recruitment efforts to these concessions programs have proven to be successful. The reintroduction of a Post Newsletter and the establishment of this Website are positive steps towards improved communications. And we're continually kicking around new fundraising ideas.


Along with the Town of South Berwick, VFW Post 5744 is sponsoring the USS WASHINGTON (SSN-787) during its 2-1/2 year stay at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. We're looking for new ideas for interacting with the sub's crew during their long stay.


News & Events

Upcoming events

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View Local, State and National events. 

Membership

Membership Details

As yesterday's defenders of freedom...

 ...we want to welcome today's military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group.

WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Kosovo, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, War on Global Terror and other Peace-Keeping Expeditionary Campaigns throughout the globe.

Assistance & Benefits

Assistance & Benefits

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is dedicated

 to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families and continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families.

IN-COUNTRY

A satirical reflection by Author/Artist Phil Fehrenbacher

Phil enlisted in the Army in 1965 where you served for years in Vietnam.  He became a graphic designer and has worked for the state of Oregon for 26 years.  He retired in 2003 and started the Cartoon "In-Country".  The cartoons reflect his experiences during his tour of duty in South Vietnam.


There is a new cartoon everyday.

Post News

Important Info for Post5744 Members

STAY ON TOP OF THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

A lot is happening over the next few weeks. Refer to the ANNOUNCEMENTS section for current updates.

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Statewide News

News & Info from your department

250th Birthday Coins

250th Birthday Coins

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COA of the new year

We have the first COA of the new year on 7 June at The Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River.

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National News

Important info from National VFW

VFW Honors 251 Years of Army Service and Sacrifice

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The more than 1.3 million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Auxiliary proudly join a gratef...

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VFW Action Alert: Tell Congress to Oppose Veterans' Benefit Cuts

Congress has introduced the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, legislation that includes many provisions the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has f...

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