Posted on Mar 17, 2023
VA to change its motto, dropping male-only language
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VA to change its motto, dropping male-only language
By Leo Shane III
Mar 16, 12:00 PM
The current Veterans Affairs motto is shown displayed outside the department's headquarters on Feb. 20, 2018. (Leo Shane III/Staff)
Veterans Affairs leaders are changing the department’s mission statement from the current male-only focus to be more welcoming to women veterans, officials announced Thursday.
The current motto — in use by VA and the Veterans Administration since 1959 — is based on an excerpt from President Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise ‘to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan’ by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.” It’s displayed prominently at about half of all VA hospitals, cemeteries and office buildings across the country.
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SSG Michael Noll Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Cpl Vic Burk SGT Charlie Lee] Sgt (Join to see) PV2 Larry Sellnow SPC Gary C. SPC (Join to see) Amn Dale Preisach SGT Ruben Lozada CPT Richard Trione SFC Ralph E Kelley 1SG Patrick Burke SGT Gerald “Jerry” Harrell PO2 Marco Monsalve Lt Col Charlie Brown 1SG Paul Ayotte MSG (Join to see) Maj Kim Patterson
VA to change its motto, dropping male-only language
By Leo Shane III
Mar 16, 12:00 PM
The current Veterans Affairs motto is shown displayed outside the department's headquarters on Feb. 20, 2018. (Leo Shane III/Staff)
Veterans Affairs leaders are changing the department’s mission statement from the current male-only focus to be more welcoming to women veterans, officials announced Thursday.
The current motto — in use by VA and the Veterans Administration since 1959 — is based on an excerpt from President Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise ‘to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan’ by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.” It’s displayed prominently at about half of all VA hospitals, cemeteries and office buildings across the country.
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SSG Michael Noll Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Cpl Vic Burk SGT Charlie Lee] Sgt (Join to see) PV2 Larry Sellnow SPC Gary C. SPC (Join to see) Amn Dale Preisach SGT Ruben Lozada CPT Richard Trione SFC Ralph E Kelley 1SG Patrick Burke SGT Gerald “Jerry” Harrell PO2 Marco Monsalve Lt Col Charlie Brown 1SG Paul Ayotte MSG (Join to see) Maj Kim Patterson
VA to change its motto, dropping male-only language
Posted from armytimes.comPosted in these groups: 
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Posted >1 y ago
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Sorry Brother Joe but I don't understand the point in changing it when there are some many more important things to worry about IMHO
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SPC Robert Coventry
It's a Quote, from 158 years ago, from one of most honored and best presidents. We can't change an exact quote. I think female vets would be better served if they spent the money on helping female vets instead of changing a boat load of signs. I hope this doesn't offend anyone. A Veteran is a Veteran.
“Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company.” George Washingtron
“Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company.” George Washingtron
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SSG Michael Noll I know if it ain't one thing it's another. Different times for sure Brother Michael.
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Dear Leo Shane III,
I read your article about the change in the Veterans Affairs motto with great interest. While I understand the need to be more inclusive and welcoming to women veterans, I am concerned about the devaluation of traditional military values that this change may represent.
As a veteran myself, I have always been proud of the military's emphasis on brotherhood, camaraderie, and sacrifice. The old VA motto, which references caring for widows and orphans as well as veterans, reflects these values. By changing it to be more gender-neutral, we risk losing this important aspect of our military heritage.
That being said, I do understand the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of women veterans, who have served our country with distinction and valor. Perhaps a compromise could be reached by incorporating a reference to women in the existing motto, rather than replacing it altogether.
Thank you for bringing this important issue to light.
Sincerely, Jim Murphy
I read your article about the change in the Veterans Affairs motto with great interest. While I understand the need to be more inclusive and welcoming to women veterans, I am concerned about the devaluation of traditional military values that this change may represent.
As a veteran myself, I have always been proud of the military's emphasis on brotherhood, camaraderie, and sacrifice. The old VA motto, which references caring for widows and orphans as well as veterans, reflects these values. By changing it to be more gender-neutral, we risk losing this important aspect of our military heritage.
That being said, I do understand the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of women veterans, who have served our country with distinction and valor. Perhaps a compromise could be reached by incorporating a reference to women in the existing motto, rather than replacing it altogether.
Thank you for bringing this important issue to light.
Sincerely, Jim Murphy
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SGT James Murphy with the utmost respect and dignity, great read/share Brother James- Salute!!!
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