The VFW Cross of Malta

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States adopted for its symbol the Cross of Malta, which has a heritage of honor, duty, sacrifice and courage that dates back to the 11th century. The Cross of Malta trademark was issued June 9, 1931. Pursuant U.S.C. Title 36, Chapter 7A, Sections 111-120, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has the exclusive right to the use of its name and the sole exclusive right to the use of the emblem and badges adopted by the corporation. Additionally, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has registered the precise logo appearing on your merchandise with the United States Patent Office.

A description of certain aspects of the VFW’s Cross of Malta are as follows:

• There is an eight-pointed Maltese Cross.
• Upon the Cross is superimposed the Great Seal of the United States, encircled by the name, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
• Within the circle is the American eagle, the emblem of a proud nation whose warriors of many generations have fought and sacrificed to preserve the free mans way of living.
• Between the four arms of the Cross, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has added the suns rays to emphasize the vigor and warmth with which the present day brotherhood defends our ideals.

Every detail in the VFW emblem has definite meaning. The Cross, the rays and the seal together symbolize the vows, purpose and character of men and women who have traveled far from home to defend humanity. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is the worlds oldest and largest overseas war veterans organization. It is chartered by the Congress of the United States. That charter states specifically that the objects of the VFW shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational; that its members shall preserve and strengthen comradeship; that they shall maintain allegiance to the government of the United States and fidelity to its laws; that VFW members shall foster true patriotism, extend American freedom and defend this nation from all enemies

It is a federal offense to use the name or emblems of a federally chartered veterans organization. See Federal Criminal Code, U.S.C.A., Title 18, Section 705. VFW By-Laws, Section 805 further protects the name and logo.

No Post, District, County Council, State or other unit of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and no officer or member has authority to grant the right to manufacture, reproduce or deal in items bearing the name, including the acronym VFW, and/or emblem of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States or any color-able imitation thereof. The only authority to use the name and/or emblem of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States would be by issuance of a Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States National Headquarters purchase order or license agreement.