KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tomorrow, on Sept. 29, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. will celebrate 119 years since its establishment. Each year VFW Day is celebrated at VFW Posts and in communities around the world to recognize the mission and work of the more than 1.6 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.
The brainchild of 13 veterans of the Spanish-American War, the VFW was created from the simple and selfless desire to care for those who share in the common bond forged by war. The veterans who founded the VFW challenged the status quo, and in turn, helped shape the future for veterans forever.
Over the past 119 years, the VFW has played an instrumental role in creating every significant piece of veterans’ legislation passed since in this century and last, which includes every GI Bill, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the national cemetery system, and led the fight for compensation for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange as well as other hazardous exposures related to war, and continues to fight to recognize Blue Water Navy veterans. The VFW was a powerful force in the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, and will continue to fight for VA reform by aiding in support and passage of the VA MISSION Act this year.
Existing only to care for those who fight to ensure America remains a free and protected nation, the VFW was created by veterans, for veterans, and owes all that it has accomplished over its many years to generations of members — the lifeblood of the organization. Though the organization has evolved over the years, its original creed and mission remains the driving force behind today’s VFW – a mission that will not change.