Alarmed over the post-WWI use of drugs, VFW magazine, then called Foreign Service, printed a resolution calling for President Warren G. Harding to declare a National Anti-Dope Week and set up a national conference to deal with the problem. VFW Posts began a process of making the public aware of the dangers of drug use that continues to this day.

 

Early on, VFW Posts began sponsoring bicycle safety clubs. In 1962, Posts started providing reflective stickers through the Lite-a-Bike program. When manufacturers began putting lights on bicycles, the reflective stickers were moved to backpacks and jackets and the program became Lite-a-Tike. Working with the National Safety Council, driver safety programs were part of the first safety efforts. Later the VFW began to promote AARP’s 55 Alive/Mature Driving program.

 

Throughout the history of the VFW, Posts have been quick to recognize the contributions of those who make our homes, highways and communities safer. Today, VFW Posts regularly honor citizens who save lives and those who serve the community as emergency responders.

 

In the late 1970s, VFW families became increasingly concerned about the safety of their children. One of the first organizations to create a child ID kit, the VFW provided hundreds of thousands of parents with this tool they hoped would never be used.

 

With the tragedy of 9/11, the VFW has begun encouraging Posts to utilize the resources of the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These organizations, as well as hundreds of others, provide printed materials about safety in the home, community, while traveling, almost anywhere

 

The purpose of the VFW Recognition Program is twofold. First and foremost, as an organization of wartime veterans and their spouses, the VFW and Auxiliary understand the need to recognize and honor those individuals who have performed above and beyond their peers. Of particular significance are those who, like wartime veterans, have placed the safety and welfare of others above their own. Secondly, the VFW and its Auxiliary realize the value of these awards to the Post, District, Department and National organization.

 

Recognizing worthy individuals makes the public aware of the VFW and Auxiliary and increases the public’s respect and appreciation for these organizations. That increased respect and appreciation results in greater public support for these organizations. With that in mind, the VFW National organization has established a number of suggested awards. The Post/Auxiliary Safety Chairman is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to honor individuals of all ages in the community