As yesterday's defenders of freedom, we want to welcome
today's military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite
group.
Your courage and sacrifice have made a difference in
preserving and defending world peace.
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the
Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded
local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many
arrived home wounded or sick.
There was no medical care or veterans' pension
for them and they were left to care for themselves.