“Native Americans served in World War I even though they were not citizens of the United States.” -Kevin Gover (Pawnee), director of the National Museum of the American Indian With a handful of exceptions, Native warriors no longer engaged in battle to protect their homes, families, and way of life. The last of the major conflicts over Native American lands had ended a generation before, when the Agreement of 1877 annexed the Sioux homelands-including Pahá Sápa, the Black Hills-and permanently established Indian reservations. In the early 1900s, the warrior tradition of American Indians seemed to face near extinction. They take part in service and social programs at more than 6,000 posts, including posts on American Indian reservations and in Native communities. Today, more than 1.6 million people belong to the VFW and VFW Auxiliary. To ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. The VFW defines its role in its mission and vision statements: The VFW was chartered by Congress in 1936. The two organizations merged in 1914, creating the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. The organization’s history dates to 1899, when the American Veterans of Foreign Service and the National Society of the Army of the Philippines were organized to secure rights and benefits for veterans of the Spanish–American War (1898) and Philippine–American War (1899–1902). Family members of eligible servicemen and women show their support through the VFW Auxiliary. Members today include veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, the Balkans, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other expeditionary campaigns, as well as those who have served during occupations. Active-duty servicemembers who meet the criteria are also welcome. National Veterans of Foreign Wars Day, September 29, acknowledges men and women who have served honorably in a foreign war or overseas operation recognized by a campaign medal, received hostile fire, or qualified for imminent danger pay. (Photo by Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images) Native American veterans of the Vietnam War stand in honor as part of the color guard at the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial.
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