VFW Post 1741 of Auburn has been selected to receive the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Award of Merit for its work in special projects.

The award is given to those community activities that fulfill a specific need and clearly benefit its residents.

VFW Post 1741 specifically was cited for its Flags for Food Bank program, which entailed retiring worn American flags properly and replacing them with new ones. In return, the Post requested recipients to make a contribution to the Auburn Food Bank on their behalf.

“Through our VFW community service program, we help in building a better and stronger America, and we fulfill our commitment to serve America’s veterans and their families,” said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., VFW commander-in-chief.

The VFW is a nonprofit veterans’ service organization composed of combat veterans and those who serve on active duty or in the Guard and Reserves. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation’s largest organization of war veterans and is one of its oldest veterans’ organizations.