Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pennsylvania

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pennsylvania is a part of the VFW, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting American veterans who have fought in foreign wars. The VFW itself was established in 1913 through the amalgamation of several veterans groups that emerged following the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection.

History

The roots of the VFW date back to 1899 when various veteran groups were formed by soldiers returning from the Spanish-American War. In Pennsylvania, significant contributions came from the American Veterans of the Philippine and China Wars in Philadelphia, and the Philippine War Veterans in Pittsburgh and Altoona. These groups merged with other organizations to eventually form the VFW. The Department of Pennsylvania played a crucial role in this process, supporting the unified efforts of various veteran organizations across the state.

Purpose and Activities

The primary mission of the VFW in Pennsylvania is to provide assistance to veterans, promote patriotism, and engage in community service. It advocates for veterans' rights, supports education through scholarships, and works to enhance community welfare. Additionally, the VFW participates in commemorative events and advocacy campaigns to ensure that veterans receive fair compensation and support.

Membership and Impact

Pennsylvania has been a cornerstone of VFW activities, boasting over 90,000 members and more than 400 local posts as of 2014, making it the largest state contingent within the organization. The VFW's membership includes veterans from various conflicts, including World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and recent operations in the Middle East. Through its large-scale presence in Pennsylvania, the VFW has significantly contributed to local community projects and national advocacy efforts.

Key Contributions

• Advocacy: The VFW has been instrumental in pushing for legislative support that benefits veterans, such as the GI Bill and reforms in veterans' healthcare.
• Community Service: Members are actively involved in charitable activities, including fundraising, disaster relief, and youth programs.
• Patriotic Education: The organization supports educational programs like Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy to instill patriotism and civic values in young Americans.

Notable Events

The VFW has hosted numerous national encampments in Pennsylvania, which have drawn large crowds and served as platforms for veteran advocacy and community engagement. These events have grown in size and influence over the years, reflecting the organization's commitment to the welfare of veterans and their families.

[1] http://m.philaplace.org/story/1737/ [2] http://www.vfwpost454.org/home/vfworganization/vfwhistory.aspx [3] http://vfw1383.us/history/vfw.html [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_of_Foreign_Wars [5] http://www.vfw10225.org/vfwhistory.shtml