Michigan post's victory garden feeds local veterans

A few years ago, Tom Roesly read a magazine article about World War II victory gardens. During the war, people planted and grew their own vegetables so canned goods could be saved for the soldiers. This inspired Roesly to plant a victory garden at his American Legion post to feed area veterans.

“It’s made me feel good that I could do something for the community,” said Roesly, a member of Post 554 in Morley, Mich. “And it’s brought members of the post together by everybody getting involved and going out in the garden to plant.”

A wrought iron trellis welcomes veterans into Post 554’s victory garden, which is 120 feet by 32 feet. Starting in April, Legion family members prepare the garden’s soil for the planting and harvesting of vegetables, which include tomatoes, squash, potatoes, peppers, cucumbers, snow peas, onions, cauliflower and cabbage. During harvesting season, vegetables are placed on tables in the post daily for any veteran – not just members – to take.

The victory garden’s vegetable supply is made possible by donations from members, post visitors and local garden shops. Roesly keeps a jar next to the freshly picked vegetables for donations, but they are not required.

“We have fed a lot of veterans since we started the garden in April 2013,” Roesly said. “It’s great seeing veterans coming and get fresh vegetables; especially those who can’t afford them or don’t have the means of planting themselves.”