VFW closes weekend of 100th anniversary celebration with time capsule
Published 11:22 am Monday, September 16, 2024
VFW Post 1216 Post Commander Justin Hutchingson speaks Sunday night duirng the VFW’s 100th anniversary ceremony. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
People take part in the VFW’s 100th anniversary celebration Sunday evening. The event included recognition of several past commanders as well as members of the VFW Auxilliary. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Outgoing Austin VFW Post 1216 Commander Scott Wiechmann speaks Sunday night during a 100th anniversary ceremony at the VFW. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
A plaque marks the 100th anniversary of the Olaf B Damm VFW Post 1216 while its flanked by items to be placed in the time capsule, which will be opened in 25 years. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin VFW Post 1216’s Anthony Dunn along with VFW Auxillary President Cindy Pechacek place items into the VFW’s time capsule Sunday evening, part of the the post’s 100th annviersary celebration. With them is member Jon Gaul, left, and Post Commander Justin Hutchinson. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin VFW Post 1216 Commander Justin Hutchinson, center, and member Jon Gaul place the lid of the VFW’s time capsule on during a ceremony Sunday night celebrating the post’s 100th anniversary. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
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On Sunday night, the Olaf B. Damm VFW Post 1216 wrapped up its celebration for 100 years of service with a ceremony and the filling of a time capsule.
Sunday night’s event brought a close to festivities, which started Thursday with a grand reopening ribbon cutting.It also set the tone for the future with the time capsule filled at the end of Sunday’s ceremony with items that denote the VFW’s history of serving veterans.
“This one represents 100 years of the post,” said Post Commander Justin Hutchinson, who follows outgoing commander Scott Wiechmann. “To me, I think it’s a reminder of the past and as we move forward of the accomplishments the post has made. There aren’t too many that have made it 100 years.”
The ceremony itself was filled with nods to the past, as several post commanders and past presidents and members of the VFW Auxiliary were recognized.
Also recognized was Sam Hagen, who for his Eagle’s Project 10 years ago, organized the Fallen Soldiers Memorial located on the southwest corner of the VFW property.
During his speech, Hagen said that that site was meant to be “dedicated as a sacred space in Austin, Minnesota” and that he hoped future generations of scouts would place importance on the site.
During his speech, Mayor Steve King lauded the organization’s resilience and endurance over the years in following a dedication to serving veterans.
“It’s quite an achievement to get to 100 years,” he said. “You stand as a beacon … as a supportive and comforting place for veterans.”
While the VFW was honored for its 100 years of service, which began with 34 World War I veterans and named for Damm, who died in a Texas training accident, Hutchinson said he sees it as something more.
He said, the VFW’s relationship with the community has been something of a partnership over the years.
“One hundred years is 100 years of community support. One hundred years of veteran support,” he said. “Patriotism comes along with that need to help your fellow brother and sister out.”
The time capsule itself will be opened after 25 years, and Hutchinson said he will be looking forward to that time.
“I think it’s going to be interesting every 25 years to crack this open and look back at the accomplishments of our post and have the opportunity to add to that history,” he said.
“Just a big thank you to everybody that made this happen,” he added. “A big thank you to the community. If we didn’t have the community to support or veterans to support, there would be no reason to be here.”
