The VFW is doing poorly in gaining new members. From conversations I’ve had at different ceremonies, the VFW leadership are gutless. They don’t want to talk politics because it might offend someone. Tough crap. If they can’t stand up and be counted, the hell with them. That’s why I never joined.
Haven’t had a chance to talk to my son about this but he’s about as conservative as they come and not bashful, he won’t be happy.
Is it any wonder? They have endorsed a real whizbanger here in NH.
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Yes, and speaking to a LOT of today's veterans, true veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, our veterans' organizations look too much like bar fly socials and "closed club" members to them. I've experienced it too.
They whine about not gaining members when they tend to shun those interested in joining. The endorsement of anti-American, anti-veteran cheap politicians is unconscionable, run their sorry a***s out of leadership.
We live in a very small town in Texas that had both a VFW and an American Legion, quite a few young veterans around, they just weren't interested and oddly enough, the members didn't seem to mind if they didn't get new blood either. The Am. Legion went inactive due to lack of interest, can you imagine?
I've said all this before but it bears repeating. As Scoutmaster, we strove to get them involved in patriotic activities other than riding in a float playing hero such as flag presentations and flag disposal ceremonies, etc. Invited them to speak to the Scouts many times about duty to country, service, all good things, no takers. We had a very active Troop. One member who tried hard to help us got disgusted and quit the VFW because of that do-nothing attitude.
Funeral honors for local vets are performed by a nearby town VFW or American Legion, firing party and all. I play ceremonial bagpipes for my part to honor them.