This thread may very well need to be in the "Military" section, but thought I'd try here first. Here's the situation: Years ago, I picked up a belt buckle at a yard sale that seems as if it would have some importance/significance to an American Veteran of WWII, or perhaps any other Vet. Please understand, I am not trying to sell this buckle or profit from it in any way. As I said, I picked it up at a yard sale years ago, frankly b/c I didn't believe it should be in the hands of anyone but a Veteran or family of a Veteran, I forgot I even had it until recently when a previously unpacked box was unpacked. It came with a cloth bag and the decal on the bag is very faded, but seems to have a logo of an eagle, with the words "American Veteran" above and below the eagle. Right below the eagle are the words "AMVETS of World War II" All of the above is enclosed in a laurel. Beneath the laurel are two "ribbons" (markings) that say "Korea" on one banner and "Vietnam" on the other banner. (The cloth bag is dark blue with gold colored writing/imaging) The belt buckle itself is engraved on the back with the following (in all caps, but I don't want to internet "scream"): "We fought together-now let's build together" Celebrating 50 years of service to America 1944-1994 Below all of that are the markings 203/500 (To my untrained eye, that would appear to mean, this was a limited edition/created belt buckle. The one I have being, of course the 203rd one made, out of 500) There is an "American-Vet" website, but I cannot find any reference to the belt buckle on there and in order to access what appears to be a message board on the site, I would have to pay a fee and sadly, I simply cannot afford that. As I previously stated, I simply, fervently believe that this buckle should somehow be given to a Vet or family member of one, to whom it might mean something. I don't know (in real life) any Vets and am unsure what to do with it. It's my understanding that unless a Veteran, one is not allowed at a local VFW, else I would try there. I know there are many Veterans who frequent this site and thought I might try this approach. Does anyone have any idea what/how I can get this buckle to it's proper place? Thanks in advance! tresh
Hmmm....I guess I'd have to verify this, but it's been my understanding that someone who has not served, isn't allowed to go to a VFW. I've tried calling a few around here, but I'm sure there are more I can at least call. Maybe I've just been calling at the wrong times. Thanks for weighing in!
Non veterans can and do patronize VFWs. I am a combat veteran of the Vietnam War and my outfit was the 101st Airborne. I am also a lifetime member of 'AMVETS'. I'm not exactly sure what you meant by the word 'scream' in your OP, but our logo/symbol was and is the American Eagle and we were called the "Screamin Eagles". So if you hesitate about visiting any of the service organizations like a VFW, a DAV or an Amvets....I would be willing to take that buckle off your hands. As people here will tell you...I'm very friendly and have a heart the size of Texas. Love....Libhater
As far as my comment about "Screaming" I only meant that I didn't want to type out what was written, exactly as written, b/c on the belt buckle, it's in all caps & apparently in the internet world, to type in all caps is considered the equivalent of screaming at someone. I'm more than willing to try and figure out how I can get this buckle into your possession. It might take me a couple of weeks to try and mail it, I had a stroke a couple of months back and am limited in what I can do/how I can get around. Are you able to receive private messages here through this website? I could try and co-ordinate things through there. tresh
