By: Laura Pelner
Whenever someone in the community needs help, Victor Rose is there to lend a hand.
He’s an active member in local society, both personally and professionally, and after 55 years of service in the Lambertville post of the American Legion, he’s been recognized as Legionnaire of the Year and been given a lifetime membership in the organization.
Mr. Rose, who’s 74 and a lifetime resident of the Lambertville-West Amwell area, received the award at a July meeting of the Legion.
"It was a great honor to receive it," he said. "It’s something you never expect to receive. Once you receive it, you really don’t know what to say. I was speechless when I got it."
Tim Carmody, the post commander, said he gave Mr. Rose the award because of his service and dedication.
"He’s one of those volunteers who’s always there," Mr. Carmody said. "You can depend upon him if you need something. He’s always willing to share his opinion and help no matter what the project."
As commander, Mr. Carmody has sole responsibility of naming the Legionnaire of the Year. He said it’s usually someone who’s went "above and beyond the call of duty during the past year," and there are a few factors that help guide his decision.
Mr. Carmody said he evaluated Legion members based on their position in the organization if they were an elected officer, which Mr. Rose is and how involved they are in various activities and their community. He said there were four or five other Legion members who could have received the award this year, and it was a "difficult" decision in the end.
"I was the only one who made the decision, but I talked to others who are very active in the post," Mr. Carmody said. "I said (to them), ‘What do you think about this?’ and, right down to the last person, they all agreed Mr. Rose was a great selection."
Mr. Rose is a local plumber by trade, and along with his 55-year membership in the American Legion, he also belongs to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a group he’s been with for about 49 years; the Moose, which he’s been with for 53 years; and the Elks for about a year and a half.
He said he joined all the organizations because he thought they needed help, especially in getting new members.
Mr. Rose’s elected position in the American Legion is that of chaplain. This means he gives invocations and blessings at regularly scheduled meetings and also participates in the Legion’s ritual at funeral homes for members who die.
In addition to this, Mr. Rose has been the head of various committees in the Legion, and he’s especially involved with Combined Charities, which puts together an Easter egg hunt for local children and gives food baskets or gift certificates to needy residents at Christmas time.
As Legionnaire of the Year, Mr. Rose will receive a lapel pin. For being upgraded to a lifetime member, he’ll receive a patch. Mr. Carmody said only the post can give a member lifetime status, and it is an honor.
"I asked the body of the floor (at the July meeting) to upgrade his status to make him an honorary life member, which they did," Mr. Carmody said. "It means the post takes obligation for the rest of your life or its existence in paying your dues."
Mr. Rose first joined the Legion in 1947 after his military service in World War II. In addition to serving in the Army, Mr. Rose also went into the Flemington National Guard in the late ’40s and early ’50s.
Mr. Rose was married for more than 45 years. His wife passed away about three years ago. He also has four children three girls and one boy and six grandchildren.
"They’ve been all over the place, and they’ve all moved back," he said of his family.
One of his daughters, Terri Lear, said, "Ever since I can remember, my dad has been helping the community in every aspect and has never complained or thought he deserved a special award. He did it because he enjoyed it and has made many friends along the way. His friendship is true and unconditional.
"Victor Rose is a household name in this area," she said. "I am amazed at how many people, young and old, come up to me and compliment on how wonderful and special he is to them. I am very proud of my dad and this award, Legionnaire of the Year, given to him by the American Legion Post 120. I love and support my dad always. It is a pleasure to see that others love and support him as well."
