The Burnham-Manning Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1105 will Celebrate its Centennial Anniversary on May 24. The Post provided the following information.
History of Burnham-Manning VFW Post 1105
The Watertown, Massachusetts faction of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Burnham-Manning Post No. 1105, was instituted on May 14, 1924. It was named for two Watertown residents killed in World War I — Harold Burnham and John J. Manning.
The post was established to create a community organization for servicemen who had fought overseas and seen action. Post 1105 changed locations in Watertown over the years, starting out at 78 Main St., then moving to 295 Arsenal St., and in recent years moving to 215 Mount Auburn St., where it shares space at the Marine Corps League Pvt. Charles J. Shutt Detachment.
“It’s fitting that this pillar of the Watertown community has mustered on all of Watertown’s Arterial roads – Main, Arsenal, and Mt. Auburn,” noted Post 1105 Commander Derek Mayerhofer, a Watertown native.
Contributions to the Community
VFW Post 1105 membership grew over the years as it became part of the fabric of the community, supporting charitable events like the March of Dimes, and local organizations, such as the Watertown Boy Scouts troop, Perkins School for the Blind, and the Watertown Community Foundation.
Members of Post 1105 also fought for veteran’s rights, protesting legislation that would limit the pensions of WWI veterans. In its earlier years, standout events included the Buddy Poppy Drive, an annual fundraiser where handmade fabric poppies are sold to support disabled and needy veterans, and the children’s Christmas party to benefit underprivileged children. In recent years, Post 1105 assists the Watertown Police Department and Wholley Foundation with collecting toys at the Commander’s Mansion annual Whoville Event, organizes Memorial Day activities, and hosts celebrations for Veterans Day and other events significant to those who served.
“The mission of the VFW is to foster camaraderie and serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. The Burnham-Manning Post has done that at the local level for the past 100 years, and we’ll gladly continue that mission for many years to come,” says Commander Mayerhofer.
Celebration
The VFW Post 1105 100th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Friday, May 24 at 215 Mt. Auburn St. in Watertown.
There will be live music.
Open house with h’ors deuovres and cash bar from 1600 to 2000 (4-8 p.m.)
Buffet dinner 1700 (5 p.m.)
Ceremony and remarks at 1800 (6 p.m.)