Category: History

Vietnam Veteran Recognition Social recap

On March 15 we gathered for our Annual Vietnam Veterans Recognition Event, and it was truly special. The ceremony, dinner, reflections, and camaraderie made for an unforgettable evening. To all our Vietnam Veterans: Welcome Home. Your service and sacrifices are never forgotten, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to recognize and honor you.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and helped make the event a success. Seeing our community come together in support of our Vietnam Veterans reminds us why these gatherings are so important.

During dinner, Vietnam Veteran Bill Laprade spoke about the benefits of Tai Chi and encouraged veterans to give it a try. He teaches a free class every Monday at 2:30 pm at the post and would love to see more veterans join. If interested, reach out to Bill at [email protected]!

Our VA Work Study intern, Joseph Rissi, conducted a narrated POW/MIA ceremony at the event.

Wall of Heroes: Clarence Rankins Jr.

From the VA Puget Sound: “Leaders from VA Puget Sound, Madigan Army Medical Center, Washington Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063 and Washington’s 7th congressional district honor VA Puget Sound’s 2024 Wall of Heroes Inductee, 100-year-old U.S. Army Technician 5th Grade Clarence Rankins Jr. (at lectern), during our annual Veterans Day event. Rankins’s daughter-in-law also shared a heartfelt tribute to her “dad” that made us smile and occasionally laugh out loud.”

WWII veteran turns 100

We honored Clarence Rankin, a World War II veteran, on Sept. 7 as he celebrated his 100th birthday. Nestor Tamayao, past commander of VFW Post 3063, attended the celebration at St. Benedict’s Church to present Clarence with tokens of our gratitude. On behalf of our post, Nestor presented Clarence with a card, a VFW cap, a $100 bill, and a complimentary membership. These gifts symbolize our appreciation for his service during the war and his continued contributions to the community. From his early days in Illinois to his service in the South Pacific, and his active role at St. Benedict’s Church, Clarence’s life is a testament to dedication and community spirit. Today, he remains engaged with life through woodworking, spending time with family, and meeting friends. Please join us in wishing Clarence Rankin a very happy 100th birthday!

Magnolia Vietnam Memorial

On April 25 Comrades Teeter and Mesa attended a meeting with representatives from the Seattle Parks Department, Carleton Park Garden Club, and various community organizations to outline plans for a significant renovation of the median strip adjacent to Catharine Blaine K-8 School, home to the Blaine Vietnam Memorial. Post 3063 had previously donated funds to clean the memorial in 2015 and look forward to collaborating with the committee on renovating the memorial.