While Veterans Day is celebrated annually Nov. 11 and Memorial Day on the last Monday of May, many do not know the difference between the two. According to John Koller, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4816 in Porter, the fall holiday honors all veterans, while the spring holiday honors those who have died in the line of duty. However, both are important, he said.

“Often we hear people say, ‘Thank you for your service.’ ... I don’t think there’s one veteran in the world who doesn’t appreciate that,” Koller said.

The VFW is a nationwide organization for veterans who fought in wars overseas. Porter’s post was chartered in 1967 and has about 500 members—including its auxiliary, which is open to the families of VFW members. The post assists its members in several ways, such as navigating Veterans Affairs medical centers, and regularly holds meetings and social events.

The post also has a license to serve beer and snacks at “the canteen,” where veterans can visit, watch television or listen to music. Koller said the facility is therapeutic for many because it gives veterans a place to gather with others who have lived through similar experiences.

While most of the post’s members, including Koller, fought in the Vietnam War, the post is hoping to attract more younger vets to continue its legacy.

“[Montgomery County has] a lot of vets from Desert Storm and the various other Middle East campaigns,” Koller said. “We are trying to reach into the community and find those people. ... It’s a two-way thing: The members help us, and we help them.”

VFW Post 4816

24411 Cunningham Drive, Porter

281-354-9976

www.vfw4816.com

Hours: Wed. 9 a.m.- noon, closed Thu.-Tue.