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.
Quotes
from former US President's regarding the VFW
Ronald Reagan, 39th President-
"Let me say I would fly half way around
the world for the honor of meeting with the VFW."
Harry S Truman, 33rd President- "My membership in
the VFW has long been a source of pride and personal satisfaction
because of the high ordeals that have been exemplified throughout
the lifetime of the VFW. I am sure I speak for all our fellow
Americans in voicing my confident expectation that the VFW will ever
stand in the forefront in unselfish devotion to our nation."
