Official Description

The Great Seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States shall be a cross of eight points or Cross of Malta, between the segments of which are rays of the sun cantoned, forming a star, superimposed upon the center of which shall be an American Eagle with outstretched wings and claws.  The right claw of the eagle shall have an olive branch and the left claw a sheath of arrows.  From the bill of the eagle a streamer shall be suspended bearing the inscription "Pro Deo––Pro Patria" and over its head shall be grouped thirteen (13) stars.  On the breast of the eagle shall be an American shield.  The eagle shall be encircled with the legend "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States".

Significance

The Cross of Malta has its origin in the Christian Crusaders and their unselfish devotion to God and their cause of liberating the Holy Land from the oppressive barbarians who sought to eradicate every vestige of the Judeo-Christian faith that originated there.  The Crusaders' goal was finally achieved in the liberating world wars fought by our veterans in the past century.  The banner in the beak of the American Eagle provides the Veterans of Foreign Wars with the focus upon the principles to which we are devoted:  "For God––For Country".