WC Wisconsin News

On Veterans of Foreign Wars Day, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) praised veterans for their sacrifices.

“Today, we come together to recognize the @VFWHQ’s more than a century of advocacy on behalf of those who bravely served this nation," the legislator tweeted. "Thank you for your commitment to our veterans. #VFWDay #StillServing.”

Every year on Sept. 29 the Veterans of Foreign Wars celebrates Veterans of Foreign Wars Day, the group said on its website.

"It’s a day devoted to the organization and its dedicated members who are so deeply committed to serving those who bravely serve this nation," the organization said.

This is the VFW's 122nd anniversary.

"On this date in 1899, a group of 13 Spanish-America war veterans joined together to form what would become the nation’s largest and most dedicated group of combat veterans," the VFW said. "Originally called the American Veterans of Foreign Service, the new organization differed from previous veteran fraternal societies as it not only opened membership to all ranks from all branches of service, but also to veterans of all foreign wars. In doing so, the young organization ensured its relevancy to every generation of veteran from that moment on into the future."

The VFW is the national oldest combat veterans service organization and its mission is to “to honor the dead by helping the living,” it said.

It offers veterans services, community service programs and youth programs among other activities.

In Wisconsin, there are 315,574 veterans, 6.9% of the population over the age of 18, The Center Square reported.

About 18.1% served after Sept. 11, 2001, 36.8% served during the Vietnam War era and 2.6% served in WWII, the story said.

An estimated 28.3% of all veterans in Wisconsin are living with a disability such as missing limbs, burns, spinal cord injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing loss and traumatic brain injuries, The Center Square said.