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The VFW has a concept flaw. Their membership is based not on being a veteran, but being a war veteran. This guarantees that their membership will be cyclical. They are dependent on war.

They should have long ago embraced the idea that while war veterans are special, veterans who did not fight in wars are far closer to them than civilians. Veterans who did not fight in wars still have many of the same beliefs, honor, and the same respect for the uniform.

Had they included veterans who did not fight in wars, they could have maintained steady support for an organization that would still recognize their special status. Their posts would not be closing, and there would be young blood and new money supporting it.

Veterans who did not fight in wars are highly respectful of those who did. And since most civilians can barely tell the difference between a military and police uniform, the VFW should have long ago opened its doors to veterans who not only know very well what that uniform and its decorations mean, but appreciate them as well.

The VFW has a concept flaw. Their membership is based not on being a veteran, but being a war veteran. This guarantees that their membership will be cyclical. They are dependent on war. They should have long ago embraced the idea that while war veterans are special, veterans who did not fight in wars are far closer to them than civilians. Veterans who did not fight in wars still have many of the same beliefs, honor, and the same respect for the uniform. Had they included veterans who did not fight in wars, they could have maintained steady support for an organization that would still recognize their special status. Their posts would not be closing, and there would be young blood and new money supporting it. Veterans who did not fight in wars are highly respectful of those who did. And since most civilians can barely tell the difference between a military and police uniform, the VFW should have long ago opened its doors to veterans who not only know very well what that uniform and its decorations mean, but appreciate them as well.

Have you heard of the American Legion???

I've been a member of the American Legion, but our local post has dissolved for lack of active local members. Two people coming to a meeting was not enough to keep it going. The local VFW (for which I don't qualify) has barely enough vets to keep it officially viable -- but their days are numbered too.

Suggestion or idea...

Merge both organizations into a new "American Veterans" organization.

In some places that have supported both with meeting halls it could mean closing one of the two, but it would be better than losing both when neither group has enough to keep their post going. And another thing -- open membership to all veterans regardless of whether or not one served in a foreign war, or during one of the qualifying periods for the Legion.