In nearly every neighborhood in America—and beyond—you can find a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post. More than 1.6 million auxiliary members belong to 6,200 Posts around the world; and on this day, VFWs nationwide will celebrate 124 years of service to the country.
September 29 marks National VFW Day and recognizes the start of the country’s largest organization dedicated to service members and their families.
A rich history
The VFW traces its roots back to 13 veterans from the Spanish-American War. In 1899, the veterans were returning home from war with unique needs that were not being addressed. No medical care or veterans’ pension existed to support soldiers coming home injured or sick. This group of 13 formed a new organization that proved different from existing veteran societies.
Initially called the American Veterans of Foreign Services, the group opened its membership to all military branches and welcomed veterans of foreign service. The first chapters of this organization opened in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Colorado, but it didn’t take long for interest to ramp up and expand. As it evolved, the name eventually changed to its current, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The mission of the VFW is “to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts, to serve our veterans, the military and our communities [and] to advocate on behalf of all veterans.” For more than 100 years, members have ensured that veterans are respected and recognized for the service and sacrifices they have made to their country.
Making an impact
The organization has stayed true to its mission and values over the years, focusing on key values like promoting patriotism, honoring military service and supporting veterans, their families and the larger community. Key issues of focus include veterans’ healthcare, disability assistance, memorial services, education and employment and military quality of life.
Throughout its history, the VFW has accomplished many things, including annually recouping about $11.2 billion in veterans’ disability compensation and pension benefits, annually donating $44.5 million to community service projects completed by VFW members, and awarding more than $3 million each year to middle and high school students in connection to two annual patriotic essay contests. More accomplishments by the VFW can be found here.
In just the past year, the VFW has testified before Congress 18 times. Over its history, the organization has played a major role in supporting the Veterans Administration, the national cemetery system and compensation for veterans impacted by Agent Orange and Gulf War Syndrome. Among other initiatives, the VFW continues fighting to improve medical services for women service members.
The VFW also helped to advance several well-known and respected war memorials, including the Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials.
On a day-to-day basis, the VFW works to help veterans in need of medical, educational, financial, and emotional assistance.
Continued service
Members devote more than 5 million hours to their communities every year, ranging in activities that focus on the environment to education to health science to civic projects. VFW members serve as Color Guard for events and Honor Guards for memorials and funerals. They donate to local charities and initiatives that might include food pantries, libraries and homeless shelters. Members also give their time to holiday events, senior citizen outreach, flag education, patriotic events and more.
The VFW also recognizes the importance of devoting time to youth and education. Members promote patriotism through several contests and programs in elementary, middle and high school. This past year, more than 26,250 high school students participated in the VFW Voice of Democracy competition, and nearly 67,000 students completed the VFW Patriot’s Pen competition. In return, the organization provides scholarships to students and resources to classrooms.
Celebrating the VFW
Although VFW Day is not a federal holiday, it is a significant date to recognize and celebrate all that our veterans did and continue to do for our communities and our country. From the entire IHG® Army Hotels team, Thank You Veterans!
