VFW State of Illinois 2.5

The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.

The Illinois VFW Headquarters was chartered in December 1920. At that time, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States had approximately 60,000 members. Of the Illinois VFW posts which had been chartered prior to December 11, 1920, eight are still active.

VFW membership in Illinois hit an all time high during the 1991-1992 term, topping 109,000.