Celebrating the VFW Centennial

This year marks the 81st anniversary of Armistice Day, designated to celebrate the signing of the armistice that ended the fighting of World War I. A generation later, 16-million Americans again answered their nation's call against aggression in World War Two. Since then, our nation's sons and daughters have served in Korea, Vietnam, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo. They have fought to protect our nation's interests and to ensure the freedom of others across the globe. Through the turmoil and change of the 20th century, one thing has remained constant: the dedication and commitment of our veterans to the survival and strength of this nation.

There is a unique opportunity this year to pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Services with the 100th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) on September 29. This centennial anniversary presents an opportunity to recognize and honor the more than two million veterans of the Armed Forces represented by the VFW.

The VFW began when groups of veterans of the Spanish-American War of 1898 banded together in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. These first VFW members aimed to secure veterans' medical care and pensions, benefits for which I continue to work today. In addition to its national leadership on veterans' issues, the VFW supports America's Armed Forces by sending letters, holiday cards, and gift packages to servicemen; by sponsoring USO shows; by contributing to memorial funds; by helping servicemen to obtain benefits; by assisting with job placement; and by holding "welcome home rallies" for servicemen. Whether at home or abroad, VFW members are committed to improving the lives of veterans and their families.

In West Virginia, there are approximately 26,500 members of the VFW who attend meetings at 133 posts around the state. The VFW Ladies Auxiliary adds another 20,000 members to support veterans issues and community projects to which the VFW dedicates time and energy.

I am proud to say that I cosponsored a resolution that passed the Senate earlier this year recognizing the VFW's centennial, and providing that September 29, 1999, be designated as "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day." I hope that West Virginians will mark this occasion by thanking a veteran whose sacrifices helped to secure the blessings of freedom in America.
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September 22, 1999