Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Medal

Anthony de Francisci, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Medal, 1952?, brass, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate, 1966.110.54
Copied Anthony de Francisci, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Medal, 1952?, brass, 3 in. (7.5 cm.) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate, 1966.110.54

Artwork Details

Title
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Medal
Artist
Date
1952?
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
3 in. (7.5 cm.) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate
Mediums
Mediums Description
brass
Classifications
Keywords
  • Animal — bird — eagle
  • Emblem — cross
  • Emblem — military insignia
Object Number
1966.110.54
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1966.110.54

Artwork Description

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was established after the Spanish-American War in 1899 to “honor the dead by helping the living.” Anthony de Francisci’s uniface artist’s sample shows the VFW symbol framed on the left by the fasces---the bundled sheaf of wheat symbolizing strength through unity---and on the right by the olive branch of peace. Thirteen stars refer to the original thirteen colonies symbolized in the first American flag.