VFW Post 475 received its charter on July 7, 1920. From that date forward, the Post has remained dedicated to advancing the welfare of veterans in the greater Newark area. There are three types of members here at VFW Post 475: Combat Veterans, Auxiliary Members, and Patriot Members who support the VFW and our programs.

The members of VFW Post 475 are truly proud of the many programs we offer to students, teachers, and members of the community. As veterans, we continue to serve our community and are always looking for ways to help make our city a better place in which to live, work, and enjoy the American way of life.

Each year through the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen competitions, the VFW offers prize money to students in grades 6 through 12 for writing patriotic essays. Prize money is awarded for winning entries at four potential levels: post, district, department, and national. These contests are open to all students, including home-schooled children.

We also recognize the most vital part of our educational system, teachers. Like our patriotic essay competitions, teachers who instill national pride in their students are also recognized with prize awards with each state winner receiving an all-expense paid trip to the VFW National Convention.

As veterans, we are devoted to the VFW’s Veterans in the Classroom program. At a teacher's request, veterans in dress uniform are available for several types of programs, each geared to the grade level of the students. Flag etiquette and flag history programs are available for pre-K and kindergarten classes.

Each year, more than 4,000 high school students from across the country participate in the VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. The contest began in 1979 to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth.

The post is actively engaged with local, state, and federally elected officials where we look to ensure that legislation that impacts veterans and their families has our input. Each year post members travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with our Senators and Congressperson regarding the VFW's position on any proposed legislation.

Since 1922, the "Buddy" Poppy® Program has been an integral part of the VFW community. As the VFW's official memorial flower, the poppy represents the blood shed by American servicemembers. It reiterates that the VFW will not forget their sacrifices. All money raised from "Buddy" Poppy® drives remains in our community to help local veterans in need through a variety of special programs.

VFW Post 475 formed an Honor Guard over 75 years ago to perform military honors at veterans' funerals. Today it is one of the oldest continuously active VFW Honor Guards in the country performing thousands of funeral services for veterans in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. On average the VFW Post 475 Honor Guard performs 200-300 funerals a year. They are also available for ceremonial functions, memorial services, and patriotic events.

The Post operates a canteen with bar and kitchen facilities as well as a hall available for rental. We also have a meeting room available for community groups to use. Members and veterans can get discounted rates.