WASHINGTON – Each year on Sept. 29, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Day is celebrated at Posts and in communities around the world. It’s a day devoted to the organization and its dedicated members who are so deeply committed to serving those who bravely serve this nation.
This year marks the 122nd year since the VFW was established. On this date in 1899, a group of 13 Spanish-America war veterans joined together to form what would become the nation’s largest and most dedicated group of combat veterans. Originally called the American Veterans of Foreign Service, the new organization differed from previous veteran fraternal societies as it not only opened membership to all ranks from all branches of service, but also to veterans of all foreign wars. In doing so, the young organization ensured its relevancy to every generation of veteran from that moment on into the future.
As the nation’s oldest combat veterans service organization, the VFW has been unwavering in its devotion “to honor the dead by helping the living.” The commitment of the 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary is demonstrated through national veterans and legislative services, military assistance and community service programs, youth activities and scholarship programs, as well as millions of volunteer hours donated in their local communities each year. Whether it’s fighting for health care, education or disability compensation, “No One Does More For Veterans!”
Show your support by honoring all members and veterans in your community. On this VFW Day, everyone is invited to celebrate the tradition of continuous service and steadfast devotion that defines the VFW on social media using the hashtags #VFWDay and #StillServing.