The HOSPITAL PROGRAM is one of the first nationally adopted programs for the VFW Auxiliary. VFW Auxiliary members have been volunteering in hospitals since 1914 at the organization’s inception.
This year’s “National theme“Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” assures the Hospital Program will be great again. The past few years has made it difficult to take care of our veterans like we wanted. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together with the hospitals, etc. will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.
Volunteer Recruitment, Recognition and Support
This year, as in the past, one of the main objectives of the Hospital Program is the necessity to recruit new members! Every day the need to recruit new volunteers is crucial to offset millions of dollars in expenses in health care. Volunteers also create a friendly and caring atmosphere wherever they volunteer!
Here are some tips for recruiting:
Put up a monthly signup sheet at your Auxiliary and your Post for regular Volunteer events.
If a volunteer opportunity comes up, contact each volunteer by how they prefer to communicate (email, phone call, Facebook or texting).
Public recognition for current volunteers.
Be specific about what is expected and the time involved.
Just because someone says “no” to one event, does not mean they will not volunteer for something else! Please ask again!
Volunteers!
Volunteers can serve in local hospitals, Veterans’ homes, nursing homes, domiciliaries and both VA and non-VA medical clinics and facilities. Anyone can serve; Members, non-members, youth and families. Volunteers can do many things depending on the facility. Some facilities have varying types of opportunities to suit different ages and abilities. Some facilities have a volunteer program in place with specific jobs, events and needs. Whichever facility is available, make sure you know and follow the guidelines of the facility.
Auxiliary members can earn Hospital Volunteer Service Pins from National Headquarters. Your Auxiliary Hospital Chairman should keep track of all volunteers’ hours (both VA and non-VA) and submit an application for the pins. Non-members can earn a one-time only volunteer pin for 100 hours.
CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS
Our veterans love celebrating the traditional holidays, but they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays also. Some of these August Holidays are:
National Elvis Week, August 9-17, 2023 – Have a good time celebrating Elvis, songs or movies
National Cherry Popsicle Day – August 26, 2023 – bring a bunch of popsicles to the VA or Nursing Home. The patients will enjoy something different.
Plan an event that is different and usual!
AWARDS FOR MEMBERS
Citation to the VFW Auxiliary member in each of the 10 Program Divisions who recruits the most Hospital (VA and non-VA facilities) volunteers from July 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Entry form (required) available on MALTA Member Resources. Citations to be mailed directly to winners after National Convention.
“Hospital Volunteer Recruiter of the Year”plaque awarded to one Auxiliary member in the nation who recruits the most Hospital volunteers (VA and non-VA facilities) from July 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Entry form (required) available in MALTA Member Resources. Plaque to be mailed directly to winner after National Convention.
Citation to the Outstanding Hospital Volunteer of the Year in each of the 10
Program Divisions. Entry form (required) available at MALTA Member Resources
(vfwauxiliary.org/resources). Citations to be mailed directly to winners after National Convention.
Please bring items for the Hospital Table to Gulfport, MS for the August Council of Administration/School of Instruction.
I would like to thank Madame President Barbara for allowing me to continue to chair this program as it is dear to my heart.
This program was started in 1947 and was originally known as the Rehabilitation Program. It has grown since then and become so much more. It now includes numerous programs under its umbrella but OUR goal is still the same. We have to care for and show support for our veterans, service members and their families.
This year’s National theme is “Banding Together for Our Veterans” and this should be OUR motto as we work together to support our veterans, service members and their families. This program is the heart of our organization. We need to make ourselves visible in our communities and spread awareness of the programs and aid available to our veterans, these include:
National Veterans Service (NVS) that helps obtain benefits that they deserve – at no cost.
Military Assistance Program (MAPS) funds ways to connect with local military units.
Unmet Needs has financial grants to help pay rent/mortgage, utilities, auto repairs and more.
VFW Sports Clips Help A Hero Scholarships awards money to assist with educational goals.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness.
Supporting Homeless Veterans.
Supporting Veteran Caregivers.
Our veterans have sacrificed so much for us, our service members continue to sacrifice as do all of their families so it is time for us to do all we can for them. As our MS Department theme says, “Let’s Soar Above and Beyond for Veterans” and show our support like never before.
My goal again this year is to have every auxiliary in our state participate in 2 or more of the above programs AND to report that for 100% participation. Remember to REPORT the SUPPORT!
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky, The larks, still bravely singing, fly, Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago, We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved and now we lie, In Flanders Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe To you, from failing hands, we throw, The torch, be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us, who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow, In Flanders Fields.
From its inception, the Buddy Poppy Program has helped the VFW live up to its motto, “to honor the dead by helping the living.” The Buddy Poppy – small red flower symbolic of the blood shed in World War I by millions of Allied soldiers in defense of freedom – was originally sold to provide relief for the people of war devastated France. Later, its sale directly benefited thousands of disabled and down-and-out American veterans.
The poppy program actually got its start on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Shortly after World War I, Madame E. Guerin, founder of the American and French Children’s League, became concerned that the free world was “forgetting too soon those sleeping in Flanders Fields.” Inspired by Colonel John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Field,” which spoke of poppies growing in an Allied graveyard “between the crosses, row on row,” Guerin decided on the poppy as the most appropriate memorial flower. She began attending the conventions of any serviceman’s organization that would allow her to speak. Her request was always the same – to enact the following resolution: “Be it resolved that every member, if possible, and his or her family shall wear a silk red poppy.”
The poppy program was quickly embraced by the people of France, and also secured the sponsorship of the Prince of Wales, the Governors General of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and the President of Cuba. In each of these countries, veteran’s organizations and their auxiliaries agreed to sell memorial poppies for the benefit of the children of France.
In April 1919, the “Poppy Lady,” as Madame Guerin was now known, arrived in the United States. She came to speak in support of the “Victory Loan” – financial assistance to help France’s homeless and jobless get back on their feet. While stateside, she asked the newly formed American Legion to sponsor the poppy program in the United States. At their second national convention in Cleveland in September 1920, the American Legion passed a resolution making the poppy their official flower. At the next year’s convention, however, the delegates repudiated the poppy and instead adopted the daisy as the organization’s official flower. Subsequently, Madame Guerin reported that her “deception was great on the 23rd of January [1922] to hear that the American Legion Auxiliary had taken the Idea to sponsor FOR THEMSELVES the Poppy Day of the U.S.”
When the Poppy Lady turned to the VFW for help, the organization readily agreed to take over from the American Legion. In May 1922, the VFW conducted the first nationwide distribution of poppies in the United States. Then, at its National Encampment in Seattle in August 1922, the organization adopted the poppy as the official memorial flower of the VFW.
Following the success of the VFW’s first poppy sale, the American Legion had second thoughts about its withdrawal from the program.
A disgruntled American Legion was not the only problem to plague the VFW’s poppy program in the early years. The American and French Children’s League (sometimes referred to as the Franco-American Children’s League) had been dissolved shortly before the VFW’s 1922 poppy sale. Much of the poppy supply went with it. Consequently, the VFW had great difficulty obtaining enough poppies for the 1923 sale.
From the frustrations of the 1923 sales year evolved a plan to pay disabled and needy American veterans to make the poppies. This plan was presented to the 1923 National Encampment for approval. Immediately following the plan’s adoption, a VFW poppy factory was set up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All veterans who would be manufacturing poppies for the 1924 sale were sent to a training workshop by the U.S. Veterans Bureau regional manager in Pittsburgh.
It was from these early disabled poppy makers that the name which would be the flower’s trademark came. The name just “grew” out of the poppy makers’ remembrances of their buddies who never came back from war. Undoubtedly, because it expressed so simply the deepest significance of the Poppy Plan, the name stuck. All over the country, the little red flower became known as the “Buddy Poppy.”
In February 1924, the VFW registered the name “Buddy Poppy” with the U.S. Patent Office. On May 20, 1924, a certificate was issued granting the VFW, under the classification of artificial flowers, all trademark rights to the name of “Buddy.” No other organization, firm, or individual can use the name “Buddy Poppy.” The VFW has made this trademark a guarantee that all poppies bearing that name and the VFW label are the work of bona fide disabled and needy veterans. After the 1924 sale, some of the larger state departments of the VFW suggested that it might improve local sales if the poppies used were made by hospitalized veterans from their own area. The delegates at the 1924 National Encampment agreed. They ruled that poppies would now be made throughout the U.S. by disabled veterans in government hospitals and by needy veterans in workshops supervised by the VFW. Currently the little red flowers of silk-like fabric are assembled in eleven different locations. The VA Facilities in which they are made are located in:
Leavenworth and Topeka, Kansas; Biloxi, Mississippi; Temple, Texas; Martinsburg, West Virginia; Hampton, Virginia; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dayton, Ohio; and White City and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
From the start of the VFW’s poppy program, the U.S. Veterans Bureau, the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, and other federal agencies have supported the Buddy Poppy. And beginning with Warren G. Harding, U.S. presidents have also been staunch supporters of the program. Each year, a Poppy Girl or Poppy Boy selected from the National Home’s residents starts the annual campaign by presenting the first poppy to the president of the United States.
Today, there are strict rules governing how profits from Buddy Poppy sales are to be used at different levels within the organization. The National organization assesses a tax of three and one-half cents on every poppy sold to a state department. This tax is added to the cost of manufacturing and distributing the poppy. Tax revenues are allotted as follows: one and one-half cents to the service fund of the department that purchased the poppy, one cent to the VFW National Home, and one cent to the Veterans Service fund of the National Headquarters.
At the department level, an additional tax is normally added to the cost of the poppies it sells to the posts in its jurisdiction. This profit is used to fund department service work or other programs for the relief or wellbeing of VFW members.
Posts receive their profits from direct sale of the poppies to the public. National by-laws require that the profits from these sales be placed in the post’s Relief Fund to be used only for the following purposes:
For the aid, assistance, relief, and comfort of needy or disabled veterans or members of the Armed
Forces and their dependents, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans.
For the maintenance and expansion of the VFW National Home and other facilities devoted exclusively to the benefit and welfare of the dependents, widows, and orphans of disabled, needy, or deceased veterans or members of the Armed Forces.
For necessary expenses in providing entertainment, care, and assistance to hospitalized veterans or members of the Armed Forces.
For veterans’ rehabilitation, welfare, and service work.
To perpetuate the memory of deceased veterans and members of the Armed Forces, and to comfort survivors.
With help from the VFW, the “Little Red Flower” continues to benefit the needy just as the Poppy Lady believed it was capable of so many years ago. In 1989, for example, 17,894,684 poppies were sold for an average donation of 55 cents. To date, the VFW has sold over three quarters of a billion Buddy Poppies. As long as Americans continue to spill their blood in defense of freedom, sales of these blood-red poppies will undoubtedly continue strong.
WELCOME TO EXTENSION & REVITALIZATION!!! I want to start this Program year off with a couple of things we all know, but sometimes need to be reminded of; 5 Essentials of an Auxiliary The National Organization requires only five (5) things of an Auxiliary:
Auxiliaries should have at least ten (10) business meetings per year. (Sec. 210) Five members in good standing, of that Auxiliary SHALL constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. (Sec. 212)
Dues should be paid by at least ten (10) members on or before February 1 of the current year. (Sec. 207)
Quarterly Audits by Trustees MUST be submitted. (Sec. 814)
Officers elected, installed and reported to National Headquarters no later than June 30. This generates the bond application via email. (Sec.804A and 806A)
The offices of the President and the Treasurer MUST be bonded by August 31. Maintaining Current Auxiliaries The National Organization has developed many resources for members to use. The Online Auxiliary Academy offers everything from videos to PDF files to Power Point presentations to help strengthen your Auxiliary. MALTA also offers valuable tools in Member Resources. These resources have proven to be helpful in assisting Auxiliaries be more productive.
The Healthy Auxiliary Tool Kit includes seven (7) resources to assist Auxiliaries in identifying and solving issues: ▪ Healthy Auxiliary Checklist ▪ Healthy Auxiliary Member Questionnaire ▪ Auxiliary Meeting Clinic ▪ Communication Phone/Text Tree ▪ Good Job Certificate ▪ Healthy Auxiliary Certificate ▪ VFW Auxiliary Mentoring Guide
Building on the VFW Auxiliary Foundation can educate members on duties of the Officers, how to be a Chairman and the Why of reporting. As well as more valuable information. Working with your Auxiliary is the only to identify issues and solve them before it gets out of hand.
The HOSPITAL PROGRAM is one of the first nationally adopted programs for the VFW Auxiliary. VFW Auxiliary members have been volunteering in hospitals since 1914 at the organization’s inception.
This year’s “National theme“Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” assures the Hospital Program will to be great again. The past few years has made it difficult to take care of our veterans like we wanted. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together with the hospitals, etc. will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.
The Hospital program offers hope and encouragement with compassionate care. There are four (4) particular areas to focus on this year.
VALENTINES FOR VETERANS
Share the love we have for our veterans and service members this Valentine’s Day by sending a valentine, hosting a party, recognition event or dinner in their honor.
WOMEN VETERANS HEALTH CARE
Women have served our nation for generations and are the fastest growing group within the veteran population. Comprehensive health services are available and tailored to the unique needs of women veterans.
HONORS ESCORT
The Honors Escort Program is an opportunity to honor each veteran in a respectful and open manner and provides an opportunity for a veteran’s family and friends, other veterans and medical facility staff to participate in a display of high regard and reverence for the individual at the time of death.
NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERAN PATIENTS
The week of February 14 is your opportunity to thank a special group of men and women who are cared for throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics and nursing homes. The purpose of the National Salute to Veteran Patients program is to pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center and encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and become more involved as volunteers. Our hospital volunteers contribute to VA personnel and patients. It is because of volunteers like you who bring a touch of happiness to those veterans’ faces.
Success of the hospital program will be thru good communications of the members and volunteers. It is my job to inform and motivate you to become involved. All volunteers should be creative when planning hospital activities. The Hospital program offers hope and encouragement with compassionate care.
Volunteer Recruitment, Recognition and Support
This year, as in the past, one of the main objectives of the Hospital Program is the necessity to recruit new members! Every day the need to recruit new volunteers is crucial to offset millions of dollars in expenses in health care. Volunteers also create a friendly and caring atmosphere wherever they volunteer!
Here are some tips for recruiting:
Put up a monthly signup sheet at your Auxiliary and your Post for regular Volunteer events.
If a volunteer opportunity comes up, contact each volunteer by how they prefer to communicate (email, phone call, Facebook or texting).
Public recognition for current volunteers.
Be specific about what is expected and the time involved.
Just because someone says “no” to one event, does not mean they will not volunteer for something else! Please ask again!
Volunteers!
Volunteers can serve in local hospitals, Veterans’ homes, nursing homes, domiciliaries and both VA and non-VA medical clinics and facilities. Anyone can serve; Members, non-members, youth and families. Volunteers can do many things depending on the facility. Some facilities have varying types of opportunities to suit different ages and abilities. Some facilities have a volunteer program in place with specific jobs, events and needs. Whichever facility is available, make sure you know and follow the guidelines of the facility.
Auxiliary members can earn Hospital Volunteer Service Pins from National Headquarters. Your Auxiliary Hospital Chairman should keep track of all volunteers’ hours (both VA and non-VA) and submit an application for the pins. Non-members can earn a one-time only volunteer pin for 100 hours.
I have already started getting reports from auxiliaries who have been going to see veterans, giving them parties and having fun. Please continue to do this and report all activities to me.
CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS
Our veterans love celebrating the traditional holidays, but they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays also. Some of these July Holidays are:
It is an honor to serve as your Department Scholarship Chairman for the year 2023-2024. Each of our scholarships encourage patriotism, assist students in attaining an education, and help students reach their full potential. This increases VFW Auxiliary recognition while supporting our communities, students and members. I encourage each Auxiliary to host at least one event promoting our scholarships this year.
Continuing Education Scholarship:
Open to any Auxiliary member (who has been a member for at least one year), their spouse, or child with financial need. Entrant must be at least 21 years old, complete the application, and submit an essay of 300 words or less. The application must be received at National Headquarters by Feb. 15. Scholarships of $1,250 will be awarded to an applicant in each of the four Conferences. Applications are available from Department Scholarship Chairmen or in MALTA Member Resources.
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest and 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest:
2023-2024 Theme: “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”
Open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline who is enrolled in public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories, and possessions; or dependents of US Military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. U.S. citizenship is not required but students must be a lawful US permanent resident or have applied for permanent residency and intend to become a US citizen. Contest rules and entry forms can be obtained through the Scholarships section of MALTA or at VFWAuxiliary.org. Post judging should be complete by Nov 15.
Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest:
2023-2024 Theme: “How are you inspired by America?”
Open to students in Grades 6-8, by Oct 31 deadline who is enrolled in public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories, and possessions; or dependents of US Military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. U.S. citizenship is not required but students must be a lawful US permanent resident or have applied for permanent residency and intend to become a US citizen. Contest rules and entry forms can be obtained through the Scholarships section of MALTA or at VFWAuxiliary.org. Post judging should be complete by Nov 15.
It is important that scholarship winners receive recognition at every level. There are many ways to recognize our winners, i.e., present a certificate or gift, host an awards ceremony, present awards at the school awards assembly, or contact local media to feature winners in the news.
You or your Auxiliary can donate to the Patriotic Art Escrow Fund by clicking on “Make a Gift” in MALTA and selecting Patriotic Art or mail checks earmarked Patriotic Art to:
VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters
ATTN: Patriotic Art Scholarship Fund
406 W 34th Street, 10th Floor
Kansas, City, MO 64111
Again, it is an honor to serve as your Scholarship Chairman. I look forward to working with each of you in the coming year. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Let’s have a great year and make Mississippi shine.
My name is Denise Kindred I am excited to serve as your Legislative Chairman this upcoming year. We will work hard to promote the program and promote Legislative and the issues that concern our Veterans .We can make a difference by voicing our concerns ,voting and supporting the Bills that relate to the Veterans. We need to visit our website and continue follow the Newsletter,
-Sign up for Action Corp Weekly Newsletter
-Educate yourself and members on VFW Priority Goals
-Make a Phone call or send an email to your legislators on Veterans Issues
When were you first introduced to the term “patriotism”? I don’t remember mine, however, I do remember Kindergarten and the attempt to learn the Pledge of Allegiance.
I was so proud to put my hand on my chest and boldly repeat the words ‘I pledge of Allegiance’. I don’t remember much after that but I do remember every scout meeting and the beginning of class each day, we would say the ‘Pledge’ and were glad to do so.
At that young age I had no idea why we said it and didn’t concept the idea of why and how we got the privilege of saying it. I did find out later in my younger years who and why gave us this opportunity. Many men and women ‘signed on the dotted line’ and gave up so may things and some gave ‘all’ so that we could be free to say and do the many things that people take for granted today.
Today’s youth are no exception. They need to be taught the freedoms they are enjoying today were at the cost of someone elses misfortune.
Our program, Youth Activities, helps us achieve that goal. We have many avenues to experience the joy and happiness of teaching the future leaders of this great country what it means to be an American and a good one at that.
Patriotism through Literacy
We can promote patriotism though our reading program. Kindergartners, first & second graders, can be given the ‘seed’ of patriotism through reading of our historical figures that helped build this great country the United States of America. In books they will learn how our country was formed, the importance of our Flag and why we say the Pledge. Encouraging our youth to visit and take advantage of the reading material at a local library is one example of opening the world to them in many ways.
Examples of books with youth in mind are:
America the Beautiful by Cholena Rose Dare (ages 3-6)
The Night Before the Fourth of July by Narasha Wing (ages 3-5)
Fourth of July by Emma Carlson Berne (Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme) (ages 5-7)
The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgleish (ages 4-8)
What Does it Mean to by American? by Rana DiOrio (ages 4-8)
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flag by James Cross Giblin (ages 10-12)
Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out was created by the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance with 110 Renowned Authors and Illustrators.
Caroline Kennedy introduced and illustrated A Patriot’s Handbook, Songs, Poems,
Stories And Speeches Celebrating the Land We Love.
These and many other patriotic books can be found at your nearest bookstore, or online for purchase.
There are many benefits from reading but my favorite reason that I told my granddaughter while home schooling her was, reading opens the world to you and you don’t even leave home.
As Auxiliary members we can participate by volunteering to read at a library near you, donate historical fiction to your local school libraries, community libraries or shelters. Host a read-a-thon and award something (maybe books) for the number of books read.
Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue
It is so inspiring to listen to our National Anthem sung but even more so when the young ones sing it. The Auxiliary sponsors a singing contest with two different age divisions; K-8 and 9-12. Entries will be judged on vocal ability, mastery of lyric, originality or interpretation and entertainment value.
First-place winner from each Department in each grade division will be forwarded to Auxiliary Headquarters. There will be one National winner in each grade division with awards for first, second and third place in each division. Entry forms are located in MALTA Member Resources, Youth Activities and contains eligibility requirements and contest rules.;
Deadlines:
Entries received by:
Participating Auxiliary – March 31
Department – April 15 Nation Headquarters – May 5
Contest Rules:.
Video of contestant’s solo vocal performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” must be recorded between July 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024.
Performance must be saved as a YouTube video.
Contestant maly sing a cappella, with backing tracks or instruments.
Contestant may sing in the arrangement and style of their choice.
Contestant may NOT change the words.
Illustrating America
Encouraging more patriotism in our youth can be done by having them compete in the contest, Illustrating America, open to any student in grades K-8 who is enrolled in public, private and parochial school or a home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or who are dependents of U. S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. However, foreign exchange students and students 15 years or older are ineligible. There are three grade divisions: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. National grade division winners of previous Illustrating America contests may enter the next grade division but are ineligible for the same grade division of which they are a previous winner.
The Department first-place winner in each grade division will be sent to National Headquarters. For more details on requirements, contest rules, the student brochure and entry form, consult MALTA Member Resources, Youth Activities.
Deadlines;
Entries received by;
Local Auxiliary – March 31
Department – April 15 National Headquarters – May 5
Contest rules:
Art must be two-dimensional.
Art must be on canvas or kpaper.
Watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen, ink, oil, marker or other media may be used.
Submit canvas entries on a stretcher frame or canvas board. Other entries, if matted, must be matted in white or reinforced with heavy paper.
The art should be no smaller than 8” x 10” but no larger than 18” x 24”, not including mat.
Coloring sheets, digital art and photograph are not accepted.
Creating, Sponsoring and Working with Youth Groups.
As part of the Auxiliary Youth Activities Program, an Auxiliary can sponsor a youth group and engage youth in any one of our Programs, including activities to honor our veterans or assist our service members and their families.
Take advantage of the service aspects some youth groups require. Many youth-focused organizations require various types of community service or activities to earn merits in their units. College-bound seniors earn school credit for some of these same activities. Remember that involving youth in service to veterans in conjunction with your Auxiliary can bring new membership to your Auxiliary. When youth and the whole family are included, members feel more invested in your Auxiliarysorship. Sponsorship of a youth group can create a bright future for your Auxiliary, veterans and the community as a whole.
Youth Group Examples for VFW Auxiliary Sponsorship
Youth sports teams
Church youth groups
After school programs
Youth-focused organizations
School clubs
Home-school associations
Youth community service groups
Nonprofit organization youth advisorycouncils
Service learning and civic engagement departments in high schools and colleges
Youth Groups Supporting Our Veterans Citations
This citation is one way for Auxiliaries to recognize youth groups for their efforts and service projects honoring our veterans, and assisting service members and their families. This citation is also available in MALTA Member Resources under Youth Actiovities.
Patrotic Youth Award
This award is designed to recognize individual youth for their patriotism and/or support of our veterans, service members and their lfamilies. A fill-able, printable version of The Patriotic Youth Award is available in MALTA Member Resources under Youth Activities
Involve Youth in ALL Auxiliary Programs
Encourage involvement from an early age in your activities and programs. Every young person can find their place to serve when they are presented with a variety of opportunities to serve their communities and veterans.
Teach youth about Auxiliary effort to:
Respect and take pride in our country.
Serve hospitalized veterans.
Elect leaders who appreciate our military.
Pass legislation that secures benefits for our veterans and many other worthy efforts!
Focusing on Patriotism, beginning at a young age is vital for them to appreciate the sacrifices of the veterans who have fought and died to keep our freedoms. As members of the VFW Auxiliary, we can start at home, at schools, community gatherings, at church and many other social gatherings setting good examples and reminding them of all that has been done for the people of the nation.
CATEGORY 1. Public Promotion of Poppy Campaign (Window, booth, parade, poster displays, campaign promotions, etc.)
(a) Displays must be designed for public exposure and must bear a message soliciting a donation for and wearing of the VFW “Buddy”® Poppy.
(b) At least one (1) of the Poppies used in the display must be in its original form and color, with a label attached.
October School of Instruction
CATEGORY 2. Memorial or Inspirational Displays(Wreaths, memorial tablets or plaques, patriotic or devotional themes)
(a) Displays must be designed to honor the dead, to inspire devotion to God and Country, or to dramatize the activities supported by the “Buddy”® Poppy.
(b) At least one (1) of the Poppies used in the display must be in its original form and color, with a label attached.
March School of Instruction
CATEGORY 3. Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies (Post Home displays, table centerpieces, corsages, pictures, plaques, models, scenes, hats, novelty pieces, etc.)
(a) Any display not meeting the qualifications for Categories 1 or 2 shall automatically be entered in Category 3.
The concept of Americanism has been in use since the first European settlers moved to North America inspired by a vision of a “shining city upon a hill” Americanism is an ideology, or a belief in devotion, loyalty, or allegiance to the United States of America, or respect for its flag, its traditions, its customs, its culture, its symbols, its institutions, or its form of government.
Americanism Promotes patriotism by celebrating patriotic holidays. Teaches respect and proper care for the US Flag. Brings attention to Prisoners of War and those Missing in action by hosting POW/MIA ceremonies to both educate the public and honor these special veterans.
There are many ways to show Americanism.
Get your community involved:
*If you see a flag that needs to be replaced, go to the business or the neighbors and replace the flag for them.
*Find businesses who regularly present the flag properly and give them a thank you and certificate.
*Go to your local funeral home with small flag pins and ask the funeral director if they can hand out small flag pins for all those veterans attending funerals.
