Each year our Post places an American flag on every Veteran's grave in Chapel Gardens, New Haven Township & Riverside Cemeteries. Unfortunately, not all of our Comrade's grave sites indicate their service to our nation. It is our goal to ensure all Veterans receive proper acknowledgment for their service, especially our fallen Comrades. All deceased Veterans discharged under honorable conditions who served in the Armed Forces after April 6, 1917 are eligible to receive a grave medallion regardless of their date of death.

If you are interested in applying for a medallion for your loved one, please read on for more information & watch the two Youtube videos listed below. A link to Form 40-1330M with instructions is also listed below so you can easily download & print the application form.

Once you have obtained a medallion, our VFW Post Members would be happy to place the medallion for you should you need assistance. Please stop by VFW Post 1454 or contact us for more information.

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a medallion, by request, to be affixed to an existing, privately purchased headstone or marker to signify the deceased's status as a Veteran.

This device is furnished in lieu of a traditional Government headstone or grave marker for those Veterans who served on or after Apr. 6, 1917 and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.

Why choose a medallion: Bronze medallions are durable and can be easily affixed to privately purchased headstones by anyone, avoiding headstone or marker setting fees. The medallion also offers a way to identify the grave as that of a Veteran when a cemetery only allows one headstone per grave, preventing the use of a standard VA marker as a footstone.

Sizes: The medallion is available in three sizes: Large (6-3/8”W x 4-3/4”H x 1/2”D), Medium (3-3/4”W x 2-7/8”H x 1/4"D) and Small (2”W x 1-1/2”H x 1/3”D). Each medallion is inscribed with the word “VETERAN” across the top and the branch of service at the bottom.

Once a claim for a medallion is received and approved, VA will mail the medallion along with a kit that will allow the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the device to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover.

Important: This benefit is only applicable if the grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker. In these instances, eligible Veterans are entitled to either a traditional Government-furnished headstone or marker, or the new medallion, but not both.

For family members of eligible Veterans interested in submitting a claim for the medallion, instructions on how to apply for a medallion are available. Please use: VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in a Private Cemetery

This Information provided by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  For more information visit www.va.gov

Our Post hosts many fun filled events but we're not just out for a good time. Our events raise awareness for our causes and donations to administer the services we provide to our veterans, troops & community. There's always something going on at VFW Post 1454. We invite you to stop in to meet our members and find out how you can get involved!

August 28th, 2017
VFW 1454 Post Members, all Vietnam Veterans, spent the afternoon constructing a handicap ramp for one of their comrades, a disabled Veteran. Post Members worked with the local Home Depot to secure a materials donation and gathered together to construct this ramp at no cost to the Veteran.

September 18th, 2017
VFW Post 1454 will be hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, September 18th from Noon until 5:45 p.m. Give the gift of life, give blood. Save time, register early with Rapid Pass.

Anyone can join the VFW Action Corps! ​The VFW Action Corps is what gives the VFW its strength in advocating for our nation’s heroes. Add your voice to the thousands of veterans’ advocates making a difference every day. Join the VFW Action Corps today!

A printed version of our monthly newsletter will be available for those Members without email. Once our transition to digital is complete, Post & Auxiliary Members with email will receive a digital version via email only. The current edition of our newsletter is also available for download anytime on our website.

You can also find information on our website's Events Page and Blog. And don't forget to "Like" and Follow Us on Facebook.

"Honoring the dead by helping the living." This sign hangs on the wall in our main dining area and serves as an inspiration and a reminder to all of our mission to assist our comrades, their families and our community in as many ways possible. Each year Post 1454 provides:

• Direct Assistance to Area Veterans, Active-Duty Military and Families
• Honor Guard Duties
• A Memorial Day Flag for Every Veteran's Grave at Riverside Cemetery
• Memorial Day Ceremonies at Riverside Park and Riverside Cemetery
• Bereavement Meals for Members and Families of Deceased Veterans
• Care Packages for Active-Duty Military Personnel Stationed Overseas
• Information regarding Veteran's Benefits and Assistance Programs
• Youth Education
• Community Services
• Highland Parade Participation

Our Post also works quietly to provide direct assistance to our Veterans and our community. Because of this many may not be aware of the help that is available to them. For instance, did you know Post 1454 has medical equipment available to loan to those in need? Some of the items include:

• Wheel Chairs
• Crutches
• Walkers
• Toilet Adapters