The benevolence of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary goes well beyond the realm of veterans helping veterans. Supporting the community is a tradition of both the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary with volunteering efforts centering on programs that benefit education and health services, enhance military morale, develop civic pride and improve the community. Last year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its partner, the Ladies Auxiliary, donated more than 13 million hours of community service and contributed more than $63 million toward community service projects. Whether raising money for the March of Dimes or providing scholarships to our nation's youth, the VFW is there, partners in the community and in the schools--honoring the dead by helping the living.
The VFW has a rich tradition associated with community service, working closely with other national organizations such as March of Dimes, the Points of Light Foundation and America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth. Constructive community service is a founding VFW tenet with volunteerism benefiting education, the environment, health sciences and civic projects. The VFW's citizenship education program is designed to stimulate an interest in America's history, its traditions and institutions, as well as promote patriotism. The VFW also partners with the Boy Scouts of America, National Rifle Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, International Association of Firefighters and the Salvation Army.
Patriotic Days
Fostering patriotism and honoring America's veterans, whether it is Independence Day or Veterans Day, is part of the VFW's philosophical core. Public commemorations hosted by VFW Posts worldwide cultivate an appreciation of both the responsibilities and benefits of being an American.
Flag Education
On June 14, 1777, the Marine Committee of the Continental Congress adopted a resolution that gave birth to our national flag. The resolution read: "Resolved that the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes, alternate red and white, that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Flags and flag education are important elements of the VFW's Citizenship Education program. In fact, flags are the most commonly requested items from the VFW's Emblem and Supply Department, which sells more than 250,000 flags each year. The VFW publishes a flag booklet, "Ten Short Flag Stories," which you can request by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Citizenship Education Department, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 64111.
Resources for Educators
The VFW's citizenship education program arms teachers with school activities and resources designed to teach America's youth about patriotism and service and about the contributions of our nation's veterans in preserving peace. The VFW's Citizenship Education for School and Youth Groups Curriculum Guide has lesson plans on patriotism, the meaning of patriotic holidays such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day and U.S. flag history and customs. The VFW also works closely with the Library of Congress and local VFW Posts in encouraging participation in the library's Veterans' Oral History program in which veterans visit school classrooms and talk about their military experiences and educate young Americans on citizenship and patriotism.
VFW Affiliation
The VFW shares the traditions of volunteering to build better communities and is associated with numerous national affiliations.
America's Promise -The Alliance for Youth
The VFW helps mentor organizations, recruits youth to volunteer at VA Medical Centers and veterans' homes, recognizes youth and adult youth leaders for their volunteerism and invites military personnel to participate in community service projects. For further information about America's Promise call: 1-888-55-YOUTH or visit their website at www.americaspromise.org.
Connect America
The VFW participates in the national initiative to build better communities and encourage individual Americans to do the same. For further information visit the Points of Light Foundation at www.pointsoflight.org or call the Foundation at (202) 729-8000.
March of Dimes WalkAmerica
The VFW has been partnering with March of Dimes since 1938 and has raised more than $80,000 for the March of Dimes Walk America 2000. Last year VFW teams raised more than $114,000. www.modimes.org
National Youth Service Day
Every April, nation attention is focused on the leadership of our nation's young people It is the largest service event in the world and will be held this year from April 11-13. For more information, visit www.ysa.org
Make A Difference Day
A celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. www.makeadifferenceday.com
Groundhog Job Shadow Day
This is the kickoff to a yearlong national effort that provides students with an up-close look at how skills learned in school are put into action in the workplace. Visit www.jobshadow.org for more information.
