Meggan Denny
33200 Cardinal Trail Burlington, WI 53105
630 248-7517
medasp@att.net
AMERICANISM/PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR
This year, we are celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Our nation was born in 1776, with the signing of The Declaration of Independence. I found the following quote to encompass what our Americanism Program represents.
"Since the whole world is in the U.S., nothing but the ideals coming out of the Revolution and their subsequent rich and contentious history can turn such an assortment of different individuals into the "one people” that the Declaration says we are. To be an American is not to be someone, but to believe in something.” Gordon S. Wood American Enterprise Institute on Nov. 17, 2026
As members of The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, we need to continue teaching the traditions and ideals of America to promote Patriotism and pride in America. As of 2023, Veterans accounted for 6.1% of our population and that number is projected to decline with the aging of the Vietnam era veterans. This military-civilian disconnect makes our Americanism project so important. To teach and promote Patriotism to a younger generation who are growing up without the knowledge of what our Veterans have demonstrated through their service and commitment to America. I believe this aligns perfectly with President Danielle Krull’s vision and theme "Their Fight. Their Story. Our Voice.”
AMERICANISM GOALS
• Flag Education
- Engage with schools/community groups and teach proper care and respect of US Flag
- Partner with Boy Scouts/community for Flag Retirement Ceremony
- Recognize Outstanding Community Flag displays (citations can be found in MALTA)
malta.vfwauxiliary.org/MemberResources
VFW.org/community/flag-etiquette
• Promote Patriotism
- Teach about our various traditions such as The Pledge Of Allegiance and The National Anthem
- Recognize Patriotic/Remembrance Days as well as our National Holiday
• Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Remembrance
- 2026-2027 JOINT SPECIAL PROJECT: OPERATION BRING THEM HOME
National President Donna Mills along with National Commander-In-Chief Corey Geiseler are asking for you support of the DPAA (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency). It is a Department of Defense agency that works to repatriate U.S. service members who are or were Prisoners of War or Missing in Action.
For more information about this project: www.dpaa.mil
To make a donation, go to MALTA "Make a Gift” tab and then "National President’s 2026-2027 Special Project” malta.vfwauxiliary.org
PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR
• Help members understand the VFW Auxiliary rituals, traditions and ceremonies of the Auxiliary
• Instruct new members on proper salute to the flag and meeting etiquette
For further information, please see the VFW Auxiliary Podium Edition: Bylaws and Ritual
SMART/MAHER VFW NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHER PROGRAM
Teachers are recognized for their exceptional commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. One teacher from elementary, middle school and high school are chosen. This program is coordinated through the VFW.
AMERICANISM AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
This Program Year, the VFW Auxiliary will be promoting Americanism through messaging referred to as "POPs”. A marketing tool standing for "Point-of Purchase”. Think of posters seen during WWII promoting patriotism with "Rosie the Riveter” or "Uncle Sam” asking you to do , Bald Eagle your part. In todays modern media, we can incorporate American symbols such as the American Flag or Statue of Liberty to a social media post. Or perhaps a display/poster at your post or community event that includes National President Mills’ Special Project "Operation Bring Them Home”. Something eye-catching which lets people know what we do and how they can help. Include a QR code to link people to the information on Americanism. (It’s how the kids do it). Be creative! There are awards to be had! See attached Americanism Awards. Let’s go Illinois!
Please report as soon as you complete any portion of the program. If you have any questions or need any help, please let me know. With America’s 250th Birthday, it’s a great year for the Americanism Program.
AMERICANISM PROGRAM AWARDS
Department Awards for Auxiliaries:
1. An award to the Auxiliary with the most creative "POP” Sign, Poster and/or Meme showcasing how your auxiliary promoted the VFW Auxiliary and Americanism.
• Reports must be received by April 15, 2027.
2. An award to the Auxiliary Chairman with the best promotion of the Americanism Program including how you used "POP” ideas.
• Reports must be received by April 15, 2027.
Department Awards for Districts:
1. An award to the District Chairman with the best promotion of the Americanism program at a District meeting. Including show how "POP” Signs and ideas were utilized.
• Please submit reports to me (Department Americanism Chairman) within 30 days of meeting. • All reports must be received by April 15, 2027.
National Awards for Departments and Department Chairmen:
1. A citation and $25.00 to one VFW Auxiliary Department Americanism Chairman in each of the 10 Program Divisions with the best promotion of "POP” Sign and/or Meme showcasing the VFW Auxiliary.
• Winners will be announced and citations will be presented at the 2027 VFW Auxiliary National Convention. Money will be deposited into the VFW Auxiliary Department account after the 2027 VFW Auxiliary National Convention for disbursement to the winning VFW Auxiliary Department Chairman.
2. The Outstanding Performance Award and Second-Place Outstanding Performance Award will be awarded in each of the 10 Program Divisions based on the criteria listed on page 5 and for the promotion of the Ambassador’s Program goals.
• Winners will be announced and awards will be presented at the 2027 VFW Auxiliary National Convention. Money will be deposited into the VFW Auxiliary Department account after the 2027 VFW Auxiliary National Convention.
National Awards for Auxiliaries:
1. A citation and $25.00 to one VFW Auxiliary in each of the 10 Program Divisions that creates the most unique "POP” Sign, Poster and/or Meme showcasing how your auxiliary promoted the VFW Auxiliary and Americanism.
• VFW Auxiliaries must send the required entry form to VFW Auxiliary Department Chairman by MARCH 31, 2027 for judging. Entry form is required and available in MALTA Member Resources.
• The VFW Auxiliary Department Americanism Chairman must sign and send a copy of the completed Department-winning entry form to the VFW Auxiliary National Americanism Ambassador by April 30, 2027 for judging.
• Citations will be mailed directly to winning VFW Auxiliaries from the VFW
National Headquarters and money will be deposited into the VFW Auxiliary account
after the 2027 VFW Auxiliary National Convention.
