VFW DAY

VFW Day, observed on September 29, honors the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the generations of service members who have answered the call to defend their country overseas. It is a time to recognize the organization’s long-standing commitment to veterans, service members, and their families.

The day also highlights the important work VFW posts do in communities—from advocating for veterans’ benefits and providing assistance to welcoming returning service members and preserving the bonds of military service. On September 29, people can show their appreciation by thanking a veteran, learning more about veterans’ experiences, or supporting local programs that serve the military community.

VFW Day is observed on September 29 in recognition of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), one of the nation’s oldest major veterans’ organizations. Its roots reach back to the aftermath of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War, when veterans returning from overseas service sought assistance, fellowship, and a collective voice. In 1899, several veterans’ groups formed what became the American Veterans of Foreign Service, an early predecessor of the modern VFW.

The organization developed through cooperation and consolidation among veterans’ associations. In 1913, the American Veterans of Foreign Service merged with two other groups—the Army of the Philippines and the Veterans of the Foreign Service of the United States—to create the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. This broader organization represented veterans who had served beyond American borders and worked to secure medical care, disability compensation, pensions, and other benefits. The VFW later received a congressional charter in 1936, formally recognizing its role as a veterans’ service organization.

Over time, the VFW expanded from a network of local posts into a national advocacy and community-service organization. Its work has included helping veterans navigate government benefits, supporting military families, promoting remembrance ceremonies, and advocating for the interests of service members and former service members. VFW posts have also become important civic institutions, hosting scholarship programs, patriotic events, youth activities, and programs honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Observed on September 29, VFW Day carries both historical and cultural significance. It honors the veterans whose overseas service inspired the organization’s creation while recognizing the continuing bonds formed through military service. The occasion also highlights the VFW’s enduring role in connecting veterans with one another and reminding the wider public that support for service members continues after their active-duty careers end.