releases: http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/house-updates-vfw-charter-to-reflect-service-of-women-in-the-armed-forces
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/house-updates-vfw-charter-to-reflect-service-of-women-in-the-armed-forces | House Updates VFW Charter to Reflect Service of Women in the Armed Forces | 2014-11-18 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | delaney.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – The House has passed legislation to update the federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to reflect the service of women in the armed forces. H.R. 5441 makes two wording changes, replacing “men” with “veterans” and “widows” with “surviving spouses.” The changes are supported by the VFW, whose delegates voted in support of the change at the 115th VFW National Convention, held in St. Louis earlier this year. The House Resolution to amend the charter passed by voice vote Monday. “Hundreds of thousands of women are active duty members of our armed forces, serving at home and abroad to defend our nation. Women have been a permanent part of our military since 1948 and served in both World Wars. While this update to the federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars might seem minor, there’s nothing small about the contribution women make each day to defending our country,” said Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6). “Moreover, it is with solemn reverence that we must also note that not all surviving spouses are widows. I’m proud that the House has taken action in coordination with the VFW to update the language of their charter to more accurately reflect today’s military and veteran community.” The VFW charter was signed by President Roosevelt in 1936. Women first joined the military during World War I, but after the war their service opportunity was discontinued. Women served again in World War II and Congress granted women permanent status within the armed forces in 1948. The VFW’s mission is, “To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.” ## | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |