Nesquehoning has always been a community that honors its veterans.

Whether it be through parades, the Hometown Heroes banner program or other programs, the members of the Nesquehoning VFW and Auxiliary have been at the forefront of this movement.

Recently, the VFW Auxiliary celebrated its 75th anniversary of serving the veterans its members love, support and honor.

The auxiliary was charged on Feb. 16, 1949, and began as a women’s auxiliary for wives, sisters and mothers of men serving our country. But as the years went by and more women joined the military, the auxiliary has shifted to welcome both men and women who have a family member serving.

“We are dedicated to improving the lives of our military and our veterans,” Christa Acciarito, auxiliary president, said.

Acciarito and Cheri Santore, past president and trustee, said that the auxiliary is an extension of the VFW and works well to honor the men and women from the Nesquehoning community.

“It’s pretty impressive at reaching 75 years, but we weren’t sure it was going to happen,” Acciarito said, noting that 10 years ago, she was called into an emergency meeting of the organization over the lack of members.

“Cheri was like ‘We’re not letting this go down,” Acciarito recalled, adding that Santore then urged her to take a leap into something bigger than herself. Acciarito is the daughter and granddaughter of veterans.

At that meeting, she chose to make the commitment, becoming an auxiliary officer and working to grow the membership.

“I walked out of that meeting as secretary and senior vice president,” Acciarito said. “I really credit Cheri for this. She has been a good mentor and has been a support for all these years. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know if any of us would be here today.”

Santore’s grandparents were charter members of both the VFW and auxiliary so she couldn’t let the legacy of this organization die. Her family, including her late husband, served the country proudly.

Since that fateful day a decade ago, the auxiliary has grown to 75 members strong.

“We have 24 males who are members,” Acciarito said. “That’s pretty impressive considering not even 10 years ago, it wasn’t even a possibility. It’s honestly been a huge boost to what we’re able to do.

“Our organization is mature because of it.”

Acciarito thanked all members, both past and present, for leading this organization in a direction that has grown strong and said that she is looking forward to seeing the group celebrate its 100th anniversary.