The Veterans of Foreign Wars are proud to take a stand in regard to the American flag. A banner headline on their web page features “Old Glory” unfurled in the breeze. The heading reads, “The VFW respects our nation’s most sacred symbol.”

On the local scene, Farmville’s VFW Post 7059 serves as a continuing presence of patriotism represented by the flag of the United States. Education is a key element in that effort.

Every year Farmville’s VFW Post and Auxiliary co-sponsor two essay contests for area students. The Voice of Democracy Contest invites those in grades 9-12 to define their views on democracy in an audio essay while the Patriot’s Pen Contest challenges students in grades 6-8 to reflect on American history through the written word.

Additionally, the local VFW Post recognizes a Teacher of the Year for “outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and instill patriotism in students.” Community service awards are also given annually to outstanding members of the police and sheriff’s departments as well as the fire department and rescue squad.

This year’s recipients, honored at the VFW Service Awards Banquet on April 25, were Teacher of the Year — Niels Kiewiet de Jonge; Farmville Police Department — Douglas Shay Farley; Prince Edward Sheriff’s Office — Sarah Coen; Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad — Andrew Watters; Farmville Volunteer Fire Department — Robert Hammock; The Farmville Herald — Marge Swayne; Patriot’s Pen: Roman Davis, Parker Moore, Audra Murphy; Voice of Democracy: Alice O’Brien, Tory Monahan, Macaliah Folz, Devan Eppes.

“VFW in the Classroom” is another educational program. This unique up-close-and-personal presentation brings combat veterans into the classroom to share their stories and give their personal views on patriotism.

An extension of the classroom program is community education in flag etiquette. Last year, VFW Post 7059 assisted Fuqua School student and Eagle Scout candidate Andrew Murphy with the community Veterans Day event that he organized. Held on the Crute Stage in downtown Farmville, the program featured the Fuqua School Band playing patriotic songs and a flag retirement presentation given by Farmville’s VFW Post. A reception followed at Post Hall in Farmville.

“The Ladies Auxiliary VFW also sponsors a Young American Patriotic Art Contest,” said current president of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW 4^th District Pat Baldwin. “The top award at the national level is a $10,000 scholarship. I would really like to see more schools in the Farmville area take part in that.”

Baldwin, who is also treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 7059, takes flag education seriously.

“I have taken down a flag that needed to be replaced at a county office and presented it to them,” she said.

The Auxiliary, Baldwin said, often works behind the scenes to assist others in the community. When the Free Clinic needed to move across town last year, the Auxiliary sent a $500 check to help with expenses.

“Veterans come first, but we’re in the community as well and every aspect of the community involves us,” Baldwin said.

The VFW and their Auxiliary are always proud to display the flag.

In 2001, Farmville’s VFW started a Flag Program to provide and place flags on the graves of veterans interred in Westview and Odd Fellows Cemeteries in Farmville. In the eyes of the VFW, placing an American flag is the ultimate symbol of respect to those who have served their country.

Initiated by former post Commander Tom Hicks, the VFW Flag Program continues to provide and place flags every Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Hicks, who served 30 years in the Marine Corps, is a combat veteran of Vietnam. Like all veterans who returned home from war, Hicks understands the importance of honoring those who did not.

“I plan to keep this going,” Hicks said of the VFW Flag Program. “As long as I can walk, I will not forsake our veterans.”

The Farmville community continues to be blessed by the patriotic efforts of VFW Post 7059.