Article 1 of VFW Constitution: The purpose of this corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational: To preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members: To assist worthy comrades, To perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans. To maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America and fidelity to its constitution and laws, to foster true patriotism, To maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies whomsoever.