Pulliam-Burton
Our history—and our name—reminds us why this Post exists. VFW Post 5456 proudly bears the name Pulliam-Burton in honor of two sets of brothers from right here in Elberton who gave their lives in service to our nation during World War II. These young men answered the call to defend freedom, and their sacrifice came at the highest possible cost.
When this Post was chartered on February 22, 1946, just months after the end of the war, the community made a deliberate choice to ensure those brothers—and all who made the ultimate sacrifice—would never be forgotten. By naming this Post Pulliam-Burton, Elberton forever tied their legacy to our mission: remembrance, service, and commitment to our fellow veterans.
For 80 years, this post has been more than a building. It has been a gathering place, a support system, and a promise—that no veteran stands alone. Generations have been members of Post 5456, each leaving their mark through service, sacrifice, and dedication to something greater than themselves. Today, we honor all who came before us and recommit ourselves to carrying that legacy forward.
Veterans Of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War
(1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local
organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many
arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans'
pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.
In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed
organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign
Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado
and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915,
membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.
Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing
the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century,
the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for
compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans
diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory
with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded
educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and
members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World
War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became
the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new
Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.
Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its
Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in
the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and
National Volunteer Week.
From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings
bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department
of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.
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