About the VFW -
Our purposes are faternal, patriotic, historical, charitable and educational.
To preserve and strengthen comradship among our Members.
To assist worthy comrades.
To perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans.
To maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States and fidelity to its Constitution and laws.
To foster true patriotism.
To maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom.
To preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.4 million members in approximately 9,000 Posts worldwide.
Its mission is to "Honor the Dead by Helping the Living" through veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national defense.
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many
arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them,and they were left to care for themselves.
In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado
and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.
Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a
GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new
Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which is being constructed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to
open in 2010.
In 2001, VFW unveiled its tribute to service and country with its dedication of Centennial Plaza.
Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.
From providing $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students every year to encouraging elevation of the Veterans Administration to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there--Honoring the Dead by Helping the Living.
WWII_Japan_Invasion_Plans.pdf [83.25K]
