2025 -- S 0161

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VETERANS OF

FOREIGN WARS POST 916 AUXILIARY

     Introduced By: Senator V. Susan Sosnowski

     Date Introduced: February 03, 2025

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, formally known as the Veterans of Foreign

Wars of the United States, is a charitable organization founded in 1899, and the Veterans of

Foreign Wars Auxiliary was established in 1914, both with a stated purpose of vigorously

advocating for the rapid rehabilitation of our nation’s disabled veterans and those veterans in need

of assistance, as well as their dependents. The VFW also promotes patriotism through education

and community service; and

     WHEREAS, Membership in the VFW is restricted to any active duty or honorably

discharged member of the United States Armed Forces who has served in any foreign war

recognized by the authorization or the issuance of a United States Military Campaign Medal.

Currently, the VFW has 1.6 million members and Auxiliary members, forming 6,000 local

chapters known as Posts, covering the 50 states, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe. Notable

members have included eight former United States Presidents; and

     WHEREAS, On February 14, 1925, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 916 Auxiliary

was established with 23 Founding Members, including its first Auxiliary President, Sarah

Steadman, mother of VFW Post 916’s 1st Commander Oliver Steadman. VFW Post 916

Auxiliary members have raised thousands of dollars and volunteered thousands of hours of time

in support of local and national charities through the years; and

     WHEREAS, Thanks to the hard work and tireless service provided by the members of the

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 916 Auxiliary, many Rhode Island Veterans have been recognized

for their brave service to our grateful nation, and have received much-needed assistance and

access to their rights as military veterans of foreign wars of the United States; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby heartily celebrates the

100th Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 916 Auxiliary; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 916

Auxiliary.

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