VFW Honors National Black History Month

The VFW takes the opportunity to celebrate Black Americans’ contributions to the nation as Black history is American history

WASHINGTON — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to join the nation in honoring our nation’s Black American service members, veterans and their families throughout the month of February, National Black History Month.

VFW Honors Black History MonthWhen Carter G. Woodson set out in 1926 to establish a time to promote and educate people about Black history and culture, he wanted to remind Americans that Black history is America’s history. While initially observed as a weeklong commemoration, it was President Gerald Ford who, in 1976, issued the first official observance and the establishment of Black History Month, a homage for which every American president, Democrat and Republican, has issued proclamations. The 2025 White House proclamation on National Black History Month can be found here

Black history is American history. National Black History Month offers the opportunity to both celebrate and educate generations of Americans on the triumphs and successes of a rich cultural heritage that has played a vital role in making our country what it is today.

Neither America, nor its armed forces would possess such strength and the long history of success without the innumerable contributions and bravery of our Black veterans. The VFW salutes all Black American service members, veterans and their families for their indelible contributions to our freedom and our way of life.

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