The person of the hour is John Stewart – no not Jon Stewart, the funnyman from Comedy Central. The Stewart in question was a  Captain from Colorado killed in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. (The other Stewart certain talks about war, but that's another thing.)

He is the namesake of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1 in Denver, the first founded in the country, way back in 1899 by members of the First Colorado Infantry. A bronze plaque on the ground floor of the State Capitol marks this event. In its heyday, apparently, Post 1 had some clout, with the likes of Sgt. Benjamin Stapleton among its ranks, according to club history.

But that metal marker is about the only concrete thing in the organization these days.

A year ago, the group sold its modest two-story building at 955 Bannock, and put its war memorabilia (including the Captain’s sword) into mothballs, said Post volunteer and one-time bar tender Bo Vikstrom. He's been with the organization for about 10 years, though not as a member. He said he couldn’t join VFW despite serving in the Army during the Vietnam War – since he never went overseas.

Sadly, the former VFW hall and lounge – a decidedly casual joint which featured burgers, Pabst and games of chance which attracted local customers – is gone. The bar is not likely to be replaced. Times change. Old soldiers fade away.   

While the 800 or so older members might have favored canteens and Pabst, a new group of vets returning from Iraq and other hot spots aren’t so interested in that lifestyle, Vikstrom said.

“I think we need to be careful, and look at how we serve them. They’re younger, more family-oriented. Maybe we could have daycare,” said Vikstom.

And daycare or not, the hunt is on. “We’re looking for a new place, and hope to have one soon,” he said, adding they seek something in Denver, ADA compliant, maybe 3,000 to 7,000 square feet. Any one with that sort of property could call him at 303-571-5659. For now, though, the group meets at another VFW hall at 1350 S. Broadway. And they remain active.

Once again, they’ll be gathering Memorial Day at 10:30 in the morning for a ceremony at Fairmount Cemetery, followed by a picnic at Crestmoor Park.

"Come join us," Vikstrom said. And maybe, as generations mingle, the talk with be of two Stewarts: John and Jon.