By the end of 1918, 4.7 million Americans had served in support of World War I with more than 116,500 paying the ultimate sacrifice and another 205,000 wounded.
As the centennial anniversary of the "Great War" approached, the VFW called on our members and supporters to help as we joined the United States World War I Centennial Commission in honoring, commemorating and educating the public about the war.
As a commemoration supporter, the VFW helped spotlight events, publications, activities and programs that educated people on the history of World War I, the United States' involvement in the war, and the war's effects on the remainder of the 20th century, all while commemorating and honoring the participation of the United States and its citizens in the war effort.
Centennial Commemoration of U.S. Entry into WWI
The VFW was proud to be the presenting sponsor of the National World War I Museum and Memorial ceremony commemorating the centennial of the United States' entry into the Great War - In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace: Centennial Commemoration of the U.S. Entry into World War I.
The ceremony was held on April 6, 2017, at the National World War I Museum. Invited attendees included the president of the United States; Congressional leadership; Cabinet members; State governors; U.S. military leaders; veteran organizations; representatives from U.S. military legacy units that trace their history back to World War I; descendants of significant American WWI figures; and other organizations, dignitaries, and VIPs. International invitees include the heads of state of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom, and all other nations whose people were involved in the Great War.
Click here for more information on the event.
100 Cities/100 Memorials
It is in the spirit of these words—“Lest We Forget”—that the World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library jointly launched the 100 Cities/100 Memorials initiative.
In observance of the centennial of World War I, the World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library offered 100 matching grants of up to $2,000 apiece! These grants will be awarded for the restoration of 100 World War I Memorials across the United States. Any municipal government, individual, or organization may apply. Likewise, any individual, organization or company can become a sponsor of this effort.
Learn more about the 100 Cities/100 Memorials initiative.
WWI Poppy Program
The red poppy is an internationally recognized symbol of remembrance for veteran sacrifice and since 1922 the VFW has honored the memory of veterans who paid the ultimate price for our freedom with the VFW “Buddy"® Poppy.
The VFW is joining the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission in a great new grassroots awareness and fundraising program, called the WWI Poppy Program. This program aims to raise awareness of WWI and the sacrifices made by veterans.
Participate in this program today by purchasing a World War I Poppy Kit from the WWI Centennial Commission. Each kit contains 60 poppy seed packets that will spark awareness and conversation about the WWI Centennial as it honors the legacy of the 4.7 million American veterans that served during WWI.