All about MOWW

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WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED MOWW?

MOWW was a motivating force in the designation of Armed Forces Day to comemorate America's entry into World War I. Each year, MOWW has a memorial service on Veterans Day at General Pershing's gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate the sacrifice of all Allied participants in World War I.
   The massing of the Colors is a colorful, patriotic, and religious ceremony in which "Old Glory" is honored, and the men and women who have served this nation are remembered. The ceremony is held by various MOWW chapters across the nation and features color guards bearing national, state, and organizational flags.
MOWW has an extensive educational program focused on youth. Each year, more than 12,000 high school students attend single-day or multi-day Youth Leadership Conferences to address topics concerning responsible and informed citizenship. Subjects include the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. The programs--organized by our chapters--have earned many kudos fromthe kids. Said one participant: "I truly believe these conferenceas have changed the way I look at my country and government." Expanding these important programs is one of the Order's most important goals.
   The Order has formal agreements with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts that enable local chapters to recognize each youngster who attains the rank of Eagle Scout or earns the Girl Scouts Gold Award, respectively.
   Local chapters recognize outstanding cadets with MOWW medals and certificates, and provide other assistance to ROTC activities at the college and high school level.
   Each year, the Order presents a Distinguished Service Award to a recognized partiot who has rendered great service to the national defense. At our annual convention, issues concerning national security are debated and resolutions promulgated. The Order's magazine, Officer Review, provides a forum for reflection on key issues, as well as a historical record of heroism in the nation's armed conflicts. The Vice Admiral George C. Dyer Memorial trust Fund provides annual cash awards to members who write the best articles published in Officer Review.
Originally incorporated as the "American Officers of the Great War," the Order is in its ninth decade of service, with more than 11.000 members in 145 chapters nationwide. MOWW is composed of federally recognized commissioned officers and warrant officers who are citizens of the United Staes of good moral character and repute who are serving or have served honorable in the Active, Reserve, or National Guard of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administratio (NOAA) Corps, and the United States Public Health Service(USPHS) Corps, including descendants and spouses of these officers.
   In his address to the Order's 1926 convention, General John J. Pershing inspired the delegates to "....dedicate yourselves to protecting the freedom you have so valiantly won on the battlefield." His interest and support afforded the MOWW national prestige and instilled a commitment from which it has never wavered.