Army veterans get special salute at V.F.W. convention in Wildwood. Photo by Lauren Suit

WILDWOOD — The flags were out in force as members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Ladies Auxiliary convened here for their 88th annual convention.

The VFW, with its Ladies and Men’s Auxiliary, includes 2.7 million members in approximately 9,500 posts worldwide, according to the organization’s Web site. Fostering patriotism and honoring America's veterans, whether it is Independence Day or Veterans Day, is part of their philosophical core.

On June 18-20 the U.S. Army Freedom Salute Team was on hand to recognize and thank Army veterans for their selfless service.

On June 20, two recipients, Staff Sargent and National Commander in Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars George Lisicki and Specialist and New Jersey State Commander of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars Bob Pinto, were presented with a surprise salute pinning ceremony.

On Saturday at 11 a.m. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) will receive the state VFW “Outstanding Federal Legislator of the Year Award” and will address the delegation on his platform of veterans’ issues. The annual parade for the convention is scheduled for Saturday June 21 at 1:30 p.m. on Atlantic Avenue.

Contact Suit at: (609) 886-8600 ext. 25 or lsuit@cmcherald.com