Shawano’s Herbert E. McLaughlin VFW Post 2723 is planning for a Veterans Day grand opening of its new facility, following a groundbreaking ceremony held in May.
The new 4,000-square-foot post, at 810 Olson St., is anticipated to be completed by Nov. 11 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon that day to mark the occasion.
The new, modern building will replace the VFW’s longtime home, providing a more accessible and spacious environment for local veterans.
The existing VFW building, 202 W. Lieg Ave., is listed for sale for $170,000. It includes 2,697 square feet and is zoned residential.
The project has been in the planning and fundraising stages for several months, with the goal of better serving the needs of the area’s veteran community.
The post is named for Army Air Forces Pvt. Herbert E. McLaughlin, 31, of Shawano, who was killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
His remains were finally identified Dec. 17, 2024.
McLaughlin’s name is recorded in the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
McLaughlin’s remains were returned to Shawano this summer, and he was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery on Aug. 9.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
