“Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good.” – Thomas Paine
About Our Organization
Our dedication to service dates back to 1944 when dedicated volunteers first began assisting World War II veterans in obtaining the federal benefits promised to them. As the number of returning veterans surged into the millions, it became apparent that there was a need for a nationally organized support system. The existing national groups were not a suitable fit; the leaders of this new generation of veterans desired their own organization.
With this objective in mind, eighteen individuals, representing nine veterans clubs, convened in Kansas City, Missouri, and established The American Veterans of World War II on December 10, 1944. In less than three years, on July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216, officially chartering AMVETS as the first World War II organization recognized by Congress.
Since then, the original charter has undergone multiple amendments to include those who served in different eras. Today, AMVETS membership is open to anyone who has served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, encompassing the National Guard and Reserves.
As a volunteer-led organization, we annually elect and appoint officers at the national, district, department, and post levels. Every August, representatives from these levels gather at the AMVETS national convention to make decisions on matters impacting veterans and the organization.
Over the years, AMVETS has expanded and adapted to best serve each new generation of veterans and their families. Explore this website to discover the services, programs, and public policy initiatives we champion daily throughout the United States.
As the organization ventures further into the 21st century, it does so with the steadfast belief that its mission to preserve freedom, support America’s defenders, and serve its communities provides a clear roadmap for continued service to God and country.