WASHINGTON — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to celebrate our nation’s African American service members, veterans and their families throughout the month of February, National Black History Month.
When Carter G. Woodson set out in 1926 to establish a time to promote and educate people about Black history and culture, he wanted to remind Americans that Black history is America’s history. While initially observed as a weeklong commemoration, it was President Gerald Ford who, in 1976, issued the first official observance and the establishment of Black History Month, a homage for which every American president, Democrat and Republican, has issued proclamations. The 2023 White House proclamation on National Black History Month can be found here.
Black history is American history. National Black History Month offers the opportunity to both celebrate and educate generations on the triumphs and success stories, as well as the disparities faced by a rich cultural heritage that has played such a vital role in making our country what it is today.
The VFW salutes all African American service members, veterans, comrades, and their families for their indelible contributions to our freedom and our way of life.