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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 |
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