From the Brainerd VFW in 2016.  Here is a look at the "good old days."
From the 2015 history file of the Brainerd VFW.  
Brainerd VFW  In 2014:
Brainerd VFW in 2010:
In about 2010, Brainerd VFW member Dave Meyer successfully consolidated the Honor Guards from the VFW, Legion and DAV.  They have operated as one at funerals and parades ever since.  Dave Meyer is still the unit coordinator.
The Brainerd VFW in 1992:  A flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol was raised at the VFW in Brainerd.  It was a gift from then Congressman James Oberstar.
Brainerd VFW in 1991:
Brainerd VFW in 1990:
Brainerd VFW in 1989.  There was a ground breaking ceremony for the All Veterans Memorial in Brainerd.
Brainerd VFW in 1987.  Brainerd Mayor Billie Michaelis signed a Loyalty Day proclamation.  Brainerd's own Shotgun Red was the entertainment at the celebration. 
1982.  Brainerd VFW Post 1647 put on Loyalty Days, May 1st and 2nd.  Former Minnesota Governor C. Elmer Anderson (1951-1955) was Mayor of Brainerd when he issued a Loyalty Day proclamation on May 1, 1982.  That was in honor of the Department of Minnesota Sixth District Convention in Brainerd.  The Brainerd VFW Commander was Loren McLaughlin.  Motel room rates were from $22 to $43.  A parade had entries from Wadena, Benson, Randall, Monticello, Princeton, Montrose, St. Cloud, Maple Lake, Little Falls and Sauk Rapids.   Department of Minnesota was represented.  There was a fly-over of two military jets from the 148th Tactical Group in Duluth.
Brainerd VFW Auxiliary member Helen Doucette said that it was in 1973 when the post had its first baseball team for 14 and 15 year old kids.  There was no money so parents took turns carpooling the players around.  District competition was in Long Prairie that year.  They borrowed tents from Camp Ripley and camped out for two nights.  Some parents brought campers and trailers.   Brainerd didn't win, but it was a fun VFW family activity. 
Brainerd VFW 1968-1970.  This was during the Vietnam War.  The Brainerd VFW was doing its best to publicize good things in the community.
Yes, those were the god old days, but the future is ahead of us to forge for ourselves.  Veterans helping veterans and the community.