West Virginia’s Oldest VFW Post
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 573 - Meuse–Argonne VFW
From the National Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign War:
Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) now boasts over 1.4 million members across nearly 6,000 Posts worldwide. The organization’s official emblem, the Cross of Malta, reflects its values, commitments, and mission. The VFW is an organization of war veterans committed to ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing community services and advocating for a strong national defense.
To become involved with the VFW Post 573, visit their website or call Faith Dixon, Office Secretary, at (304)-622-3591/
VFW Post 573 Clarksburg, West Virginia
The Clarksburg, West Virginia Post 573 is known as the Meuse–Argonne Post, named for the Meuse–Argonne Offensive which was a major part of the final Allied offensive of World War I that stretched along the entire Western Front. It was fought from September 26, 1918, until the Armistice of November 11, 1918, a total of 47 days.
Lucinda Rose
Lucinda Lovie Rose, born on August 15, 1889, in Doddridge County, West Virginia, is the only woman from the state to have died in World War I. A gifted public speaker in her youth, she earned a silver medal from the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in 1909. Rose worked as an assistant to the postmaster in Burnsville and later trained as a nurse, graduating from St. Mary’s Nursing School in Clarksburg in 1914.
In 1918, she volunteered as an American Red Cross nurse during World War I, joining the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Initially stationed at Camp Wadsworth in South Carolina, she was later sent to France. During her voyage, which coincided with the Spanish influenza pandemic, Rose cared for sick passengers, but she too fell ill and died on October 9, 1918, after the ship reached Portsmouth, England. She was buried with military honors at Morn Hill Military Cemetery in Winchester.
In 1920, her remains were returned to West Virginia and reburied in Green Lawn Cemetery in Clarksburg. The Lucinda Rose Auxiliary (at the Meuse-Argonne VFW Post), was established in her honor, and in 1930, West Virginia Governor William G. Conley held a tribute to commemorate her service and sacrifice.
Other Reading Sources for Lucinda Rose:
Harrison County Historical Society
West Virginia Arts and Culture
Credits
Host, Research, & Scheduling: Martha Jett
Production & Marketing: Beth Gain and Clarksburg History Museum volunteers
Mixing & Editing: J. Joseph
Music: West Virginia Mountain Melody performed by Steve Peters
Cover Artwork: Photo by Beth Gain
Special Thank You: Faith Dixon
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