AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary Holds Americanism Conference at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge

AMVETS Auxiliary and FFVF have been steadfast partners since 1954 and robust supporters of each other’s missions. Further bolstering their partnership is FFVF’s board member and AMVETS Auxiliary Past National President, Ms. Marvell Ruppel. AMVETS Auxiliary’s National President Joan Sirek has also graciously elected to focus her national president’s project to replace the windows in FFVF’s MacArthur Hall, which offers classrooms, a dining hall, dormitory rooms, and more.

“This conference has been a wonderful weekend full of history and pride for our great nation,” said AMVETS Auxiliary National President Joan Sirek. “We have thoroughly enjoyed the programs, tours, historical interpreters, and the Medal of Honor Grove. When I previously came to Freedoms Foundation for their Spirit of America program with my granddaughter, I was amazed by the experience and thankful for the long-term friendships that yielded from that experience. The Spirit of America program and our conference experience have underlined how essential Freedoms Foundation’s programs are and how imperative it is that we continue inspiring and educating our rising generation.”

“AMVETS, an organization of American veterans and their families, has long placed a great deal of importance on Americanism,” said AMVETS National Commander Greg Heun. “It is vital Americans, especially our young Americans, know and learn to respect our history, how we became the world’s greatest nation. Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge is the best at passing that knowledge with incredibly engaging and enlightening experiences. We are proud to have partnered with Freedoms Foundation since 1987 and continue to do so.”

“Freedoms Foundation is heavily reliant upon our benefactors to help us continue promoting civic responsibility and engagement to our younger generation,” said Freedoms Foundation CEO David Harmer. “AMVETS Auxiliary has been paramount in helping Freedoms Foundation fulfill its mission. Every dollar they’ve raised and donated, big or small, holds significant meaning to us. Their reach goes beyond just a donation. It touches thousands of students and teachers that come to Freedoms Foundation, who then walk away with an informed sense of patriotic duty and responsibility. We love our AMVETS Auxiliary partners and share their desire to unite over the love for our country, and we are forever grateful for their generosity and commitment to Freedoms Foundation.”

During their visit at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (FFVF), AMVETS Auxiliary attended a conversation with Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, portrayed by Steve Edenbo and Peyton Dixon from American Historical Theatre, an overview of FFVF’s Spirit of America educational program, a tour of campus grounds, tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park, and tour of Gettysburg National Military Park.