Feature Story & Photos by Larry H. Oskin
The Clermont Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States— VFW Post 5277 is proudly celebrating the official historic recognition of their building by the National Historic Registry and the US Department of Interior. The building, located at 855 West Desoto St. Clermont, was founded with its Charter in 1946 in South Lake County. Now, in its 75th diamond anniversary year, the local VFW remains focused on helping and protecting its American war veterans, their families and the entire community.
The site on which the building stands was originally purchased from Lake County for $100. The building only had one floor, built to withstand air raids. This building stands almost completely as when it was constructed with some minor repairs and changes and a little modernization. In 1955, a second floor was added for the potential of weddings, parties, meetings and special events.
VFW Post 5277 is led today by Commander James Nelson, Sr., Vice Commander Stanley Lay, Jr. Vice Commander Rose Artis, and Quartermaster Bob Farrell with Chaplain Dick Hufnagel. The three standing trustees are DuWayne Orth, Chris Singh as a Past Commander and Bill Mayberry. Sue Abbott is President of the Auxiliary.
Quartermaster Robert Farrell led the recent building’s dedication ceremony, with opening comments. He welcomed Lake County Commissioner Doug Shields, Clermont Mayor Tim Murry, Clermont Fire Chief David Ezell, Clermont City Council members, the Florida State VFW Commander Dani Hernandez, District 18 Commander Laura Pearce, Clermont Historic Village President James Briggs, representatives from Florida House of Representatives Anthony Sabatini’s office, their VFW board and members as well as family and friends. Recognition was given to Nancy Konzler Zoller, the daughter of their last Charter Member Charles Konzler who passed as well as Patty and Alfred Suggs, nephew of William Alfred Suggs whom their VFW building and chapter are named after.
Farrell noted, “Congratulations to our city of Clermont as this is only the second historic building within the city limits that has been placed on the National Registry. The Women’s Club at 655 Broom Street had previously been registered. Our VFW post was nominated by the Florida Department of State for recognition of the service the veterans of Clermont who have performed for the past 75 years. With the tireless work of Rubin Acosta of the Florida Bureau of Historical Preservation, our VFW 5277 building now stands recognized.”
He added, “This building has been owned and operated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Post 5277 since its construction in January 1946. Every board has made sure that the post has always assisted veterans and their families while working with the community and partnering with other Veterans organizations year after year”.
The post was named in honor of William Alfred Suggs, a Clermont resident who lost his life onboard the USS Arizona when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and he is still entombed in the USS Arizona. Suggs grew up with his family here in Clermont.
Farrell shared, “While digging through history, we found that Clermont dates back to the 1880s and started to boom when the Orange Belt Railway was constructed. We do have a Clermont Historical Village with some of that history. It is vital to have historical places in and around our city. Besides being an attraction, it shows the younger generations that we recognize and appreciate our past.”
VFW 5277 Members are from all five branches of the United States military services – the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, while most are veterans having served us in Vietnam. Some are veterans are from World War II, Korean War, Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and the Gulf War. All members are survivors of American war experiences. These VFW members share the same common experiences of having proudly served to protect themselves, each other and Americans. The Clermont VFW actively supports its members with advice, counseling, education, food, shelter, hospital visits and annual community scholarship programs.
Mayor Tim Murry read a Clermont City Proclamation to honor the VFW Post 5277, before the new wall plaque was revealed. After the building dedication, they held retirement ceremonies for ripped, torn and tattered flags. Flag ashes are always entombed in a special roped-off hallow grounds section of the VFW Post.
Donations to help our American War Veterans are welcome. For more information about VFW membership, events, fundraisers and scholarships, contact Robert Farrell at 352-250-2052, 352-394-5424 or by email at: RFarr47938@aol.com.
Visit the local VFW Post at the lower level of 855 West Desoto Street, Clermont, FL 34711. Visit: https://vfw5277.org.
