News from National: More than 11 Decades Later, VFW Remains Veterans’ Best Advocate
VFWs Strength Extends Far beyond Advocacy
On September 29, 1899, thirteen men – all Spanish-American War veterans – gathered at a small tailor shop in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, to discuss the issues plaguing returning veterans. The men shared personal accounts of what was then, the most popular war in America’s history, but more importantly discussed what they could do for their brothers-in-arms and for the dependents of their fallen comrades.
Banding together, these men created a veterans organization that would outlast themselves, and survive as long as Americans put on uniforms to defend our country.
Their resolve to promote and defend the general welfare of all those who have borne the brunt of battle ultimately laid the groundwork for the multifaceted organization that is the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) today.