Stroup-Alexander VFW Post 5935 in Belleville recognizes 80 years of service
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BELLEVILLE -- Eighty years of service to the community. Since 1946, Stroup-Alexander VFW Post 5935 in Belleville has honored our Nation, served the Belleville community and recognized veterans spanning eight decades.
It did not take long for the post to make its mark after an organizational meeting was held on Jan. 31, 1946. Within a few months, on May 30, 1946, the post home was dedicated. The first post commander was John Hostetler.
The post is named for Pvt. John C. Stroup (1888-1918) and Lt. Cdr. Hugh Alexander. Stroup entered the Army in August 1917 and was killed in action in France on Sept. 12, 1918. Alexander, born and raised in Belleville, entered the U.S. Navy during World War I and became a career officer. He was serving aboard the USS Oklahoma as a dentist prior to his death Dec. 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor.
What began in 1946, continues today. Stroup-Alexander VFW Post 5935 Secretary-Treasurer of Board of Governors Ken Wyland can verify that from experience.
Wyland served with the U.S. Army Infantry Division in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. Upon his return to the U.S., he was a member of the Huntingdon VFW for 15 years. The last 40 years have been spent as a member of Post 5935, including 10 years as post commander.
He beams with pride at the mention of the post and the entire Belleville community.
"Belleville has become a patriotic village, proven every Memorial Day," Wyland said. "Flags everywhere in hands along the parade route. The VFW building is a landmark of the town."
Though he has only been a part of the history for half of the VFW's lifespan, Wyland has seen the progression of Belleville's Memorial Day ceremonies over the past four decades."
"They have gotten bigger," he said.
Aside from 80 consecutive years of honoring the full measure of devotion on Memorial Day, including the Covid years, Post 5935 plays an active role in helping the local community. Efforts include support for ball teams, the shelter in Lewistown and scholarships for local students.
As time passes, the importance of passing the torch increases. The legacy handed down from previous generations must be protected and transitioned to younger members of the community.
Wyland offers advice.
"To reach the students in schools," he said. "Bring back the Pledge of Allegiance every morning in schools."
Stroup-Alexander VFW Post 5935 will remember veterans with a church service on Sunday, May 24 and a parade and Memorial Day service at the VFW Post Home on Main Street in Belleville on Monday, May 25.
The public is invited to the church service Sunday, May 24 at 9 a.m. at Watts Memorial United Methodist Church, 38 Walnut St., Belleville. Veterans can meet at 8:30 a.m. in the church basement for light refreshments prior to the service.
The annual parade through Belleville will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 25. The parade forms at the St. John's Lutheran Church at the west end of Belleville and proceeds to the post home on Main Street. The memorial service starts at the conclusion of the parade at the post home.
This year's Grand Marshall will be John W. Allison, life member of the post for 10 years. John served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968 with the 101st Radio Research Unit. John and his wife Sarah reside in Church Hill, Reedsville. They have two children.
The guest speaker for the 2026 ceremonies will be Major General (Retired) Laura A. McHugh, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
"Thank a veteran every time you recognize a cap or uniform," Wyland said. "They made the country free."