Anson VFW seeks military memorabilia to welcome Veterans & preserve their legacy

ANSON, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - The memory of those who serve in our military is priceless, and its significance can be immortalized in the smallest ways. A piece of metal, clothing, or even a single red rose can go a long way in honoring those who have served our great nation. It is items like these that the Anson VFW is seeking out to honor the ones who came before and to help the ones who remain feel more comfortable when entering their doors.

Recently, the Adjutant for Anson VFW Post 8929, Kim Frantum, posted online, calling for the materials to make a Missing in Action/Prisoner of War table to honor those service members. The symbolism behind the items at this table holds very significant meanings and is arraigned in a specific way.

For example, the tablecloth is white, which is symbolic of the purity of a soldier's intentions to respond to their nation's call, a single rose in a vase to signify the blood that many have shed in sacrifice, salt sprinkled on a plate reminding us of the countless fallen tears of families along with many other varying articles that carry similar significance. Due to that online post, Frantum received all the items necessary to complete one of these tables for the VFW post. However, they are still seeking other memorabilia to honor the history of local veterans.

Frantum is a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant who served during the Gulf War with the 1st Marine Division during Operation Desert Storm and explained how part of her job during that time was helping to preserve the personal belongings of fallen soldiers for their families back home and how even the smallest items can have a large impact.

"Anybody that becomes missing in action and killed in action, that are severely wounded, that need be sent back to the states. I took care of all of their personal effects, and I had those sent back to the United States, to their next of kin. This is to remember them and to realize that there are still families that are missing their loved ones," Frantum shared.

Quartermaster for Anson Post 8929, Retired Marine Staff Sergeant Kevin Frantum, spoke about how their post is considered small but seeks to preserve and add to what they have as this station serves multiple purposes within the Anson community.

"It's just a place to get together and meet sometimes. I really look forward to keeping this place up, keeping it going. Again, it's a pillar of the community. That is what it really belongs as. It's a small piece of history to memorialize all these people," Kevin Frantum shared.

The Anson VFW Post 8929 is looking to make improvements and maintain the post, which requires additional funding. To support this effort, the post is selling alcohol memorabilia, including neon signs, to help raise money. If you or anyone you know would like to assist Anson VFW Post 8929 through donations of military memorabilia or monetary contributions, please visit them at 3230 County Road 497, Anson, TX 79501.

You can find details about the items for sale on their Facebook page. The leadership at the Anson VFW stated that monetary donations for the post can be made at the First National Bank of Anson, located at 1021 12th St, Anson, TX 79501. The bank will transfer the funds directly into their account.