Quoting Section 3 of the Congressional Charter
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States:

"The purpose of this corporation shall be
fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational;
to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members;
to assist worthy comrades;
to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead;
and to assist their widows and orphans;
to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America,
and fidelity to its Constitution and laws;
to foster true patriotism;
to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom;
and to preserve and defend the United States
from all her enemies, whomsoever."