VFW Post 2005 celebrated 125 years with a brunch, welcoming both new and long-time members.
Veterans were greeted at Post 2005 with a buffet of classic breakfast foods and drinks.
“We’re trying to open up the post,” said Commander Ronny Knight. “We’re trying to weave ourselves into the community,” he added.
Knight noted that many VFW posts have closed recently, explaining, “They haven’t diversified.”
He emphasized that many who served but were not deployed, such as veterans of the Cold War, are still considered veterans. “We want people to come; we want them to feel welcome,” Knight said.
Since becoming commander in June, Knight has focused on making changes to the post. The bar downstairs recently added a lottery system, which Knight said has been a big draw, but he is planning further changes and renovations to make the post more accessible.
“We’re trying to change the makeup of it… so people feel they can walk in here,” he said.
Looking ahead, Knight is planning more community events, such as car shows—the first of which was held in July—and an event on Veterans Day weekend in November. The post will collaborate with the New England Center and Home for Homeless Veterans to assist homeless veterans.
Knight emphasized that Post 2005 is community-based and proud to celebrate its 125th anniversary, calling it a national milestone. “It started in Columbus, Ohio, in a barbershop,” he said, noting how VFWs have expanded across the country since then.
Looking toward the future, Knight stressed that it’s a team effort. “It’s our bartender, it’s our board of directors… it’s all of them, and it’s all of them coming here,” he said. Quoting a former boss, Knight added, “If we all grab a rope and pull it in the same direction, there’s no telling what we can do.”
Contributors to the brunch included:
- Piper Sandler Inc.
- Company 2 Heroes
- The Masonic Temple
- Gerry Five
- Marblehead Savings Bank
- Marblehead Animal Hospital
- Hull Electric
- Jim Casewell
- Louise Moore, caterer