Americanism - This program is all about promoting patriotism. Members foster love of America
by teaching young people and new citizens about our heritage. Each year, Auxiliary members
present flags to schools and civic clubs, hold essay contests in schools, participate in parades
and other displays on holidays, hold POW/MIA awareness ceremonies, get out the vote
programs, patriotic parades, citizenship classes, etc.
Americanism Chairman & Patriotic Instructor
2024-2025 National Ambassador Katlyn Burke
January 2025 Promotion
Flag Education
- Flag Education for Kids
- Flag Exchange Card (Fillable PDF)
- Flag Etiquette at Parades
POW/MIA Recognition
Promote Patriotism
- America's Patriotic Days
- Patriotic Appreciation Citation Option 1 – General (Fillable PDF)
- Patriotic Appreciation Citation Option 2 – General (Fillable PDF)
- Respect for Flag Letter to Schools (Word doc)
- Respect for Flag Citation Option 1 – Sports (Fillable PDF)
- Respect for Flag Citation Option 2 – Sports (Fillable PDF)
- National Anthem/Pledge of Allegiance Bookmarks Option 1
- National Anthem/Pledge of Allegiance Bookmarks Option 2
- Understanding VFW Auxiliary Traditions (PDF)
- Understanding VFW Auxiliary Traditions (video)
Teacher of the Year
Without our nation’s veterans, America
wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn
about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in
creating and shaping America.
The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics — for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment — can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Winners receive:
- A $1,000 award for professional development expenses.
- A $1,000 award for his/her school.
- Two award plaques: one for the teacher, the other for his/her school.
- An all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference to receive their award.
