[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 52 (Thursday, April 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E676-E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 1999

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th 
anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW).
  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. A 
group of veterans founded the American Veterans of Foreign Service in 
Columbus, Ohio. Similar groups were later formed in Denver, Colorado 
and throughout Pennsylvania.
  In 1913, the Veterans of the Foreign War came into existence as a 
result of the merger of these three separate foreign service 
organizations which held the same ideals and similar membership 
requirements. The mission of the VFW is to support and further the 
interests of United States veterans. Membership in the VFW is available 
to all US citizens, honorably discharged from the armed forces, who 
have earned an overseas campaign medal.
  Currently, the VFW has a membership of 2.1 million. In addition to 
assisting veterans with numerous issues the organization is involved 
with national programs such as the Americanism Program. This program 
provides materials and information, sponsors events and promotes 
activities which are designed to stimulate interest in American's 
history and tradition, institutions of civic responsibility and 
patriotism.
  A key element of VFW involvement is community service. The 
organization sponsors programs benefitting education, the environment, 
health services, civic pride, and community betterment. VFW is also the 
sponsor of Voice of Democracy, a national audio essay competition which 
annually provides more the $2.7 million in college scholarships to high 
school students across the nation. In addition, members work with a 
variety of youth organizations including Junior and Special Olympics 
and the Boy Scouts of America. The organization is also active in drug 
awareness and missing children efforts.
  The VFW raises money for needy veterans and their families through 
the Buddy Poppy program. More than 17 million Poppies are sold each 
year, generating funds for the national veterans service program, 
relief for local veterans and their families and the VFW National Home.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring the VFW's 100th 
anniversary and its members who have bravely risked their lives to 
serve the United States.

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