Once a year, September 29th is a special moment for the Vets who served. It is a day to commemorate all the sacrifice and hard work of men and women service members. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Day was created to celebrate those who served in expeditions, wars overseas, and various campaigns. James C. Putnam founded the VFW on September 29, 1899, aiming to provide services to Vets and their families. Soon, it became the official celebrated date for the service members. Currently, there are around 6,000 VFW posts worldwide and 52 stateside departments.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a non-profit organization that offers membership to qualified service members and Veterans. It also includes active Reserve forces and Guards. Members of the organization hold up high on their history of volunteerism in their communities, which is still present to this day. They have served the country and fellow citizens to make it a safe place. They continue to serve their comrades, communities, and families by offering career fairs, mental wellness campaigns, scholarships, and more.
The creation of VFW paved the way for the establishment of the Veterans Administration, the GI Bill, and the national cemetery system. During the National Veterans of Foreign Wars Day, remember its huge role and significance in many ways.
The Chronology of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Day
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was originally created in 1913. In 1899, when three war-Veteran associations merged, the organization was formed. These were the American Veterans of Foreign Service who had two chapters at that time, based in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Society of the Army of the Philippines was located in Colorado and Pennsylvania.
The merging occurred in 1913, and the VFW still honors its founding date as 1899. Its headquarters is in Kansas, Missouri, and its mission is to “foster camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our Veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all Veterans.” However, it is best to always practice this every day, not just on National Veterans of Foreign Wars Day.
Historical records of the organization can be traced back to its genesis, and 125 years later, VFW is still going strong, with around 1.5 million members.
Who Is Allowed to Join the Organization?
Better watch out during this Veterans of Foreign Wars Day because this might be the perfect time to join if you are eligible. These criteria include U.S. citizenship, being a current or former member of the armed forces, and having served in the war.
Other specific details must have served in Korea after June 30, 1949, have accepted hostile fire or imminent risk pay, vets of Iraq, Afghanistan, or other smaller expeditionary campaigns, those who are involved in Somalia, the Persian Gulf, or Kosovo, and Vets of World War II (Lebanon, Panama, Vietnam, and Grenada).
Family members of Veterans are also involved in the organization since an auxiliary was created in 1914 to involve the surviving spouses, children, siblings, parents, grandchildren, and grandparents. Most of the time, their role is to participate in volunteerism efforts; the VFW Auxiliary has logged that there are around more than a million and a half members worldwide.
Celebrating the National Veterans of Foreign Wars Day
During this day, it is best to show your support by honoring the Veterans and members in your area. There are simple ways for you to do it. If there is one in your family or someone close to you, it’s time for you to throw a party or share their story. You can also check your local area for any scheduled events. Consider visiting the nearest VFW post for their calendar of activities.
Another way to show your support during National Veterans of Foreign Wars Day is to volunteer, send donations, or create a fundraising drive. To learn more about how you can help, visit the VFW official site.
Related reads:
- The Ultimate Guide to VA Benefits for Spouses of Veterans
- Where to Find Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
- 2024 Veterans Benefits – The Ultimate Guide for Benefits, Applying, and More
