The
Military Order of the Cootie,
is the Honor Degree of the VFW. They were founded in 1920 to
promote social and reunion features among the members of the
order, and to keep alive the spirit of optimism and humor, so
characteristic of the American servicemen and women. Today, its
objectives of clean fun, harmless frolic, and good comradeship
are the hallmarks of the Cooties.
But we're not all fun and frolic! We have a serious side
too.
The Cootie's slogan of "Keep ' Em Smilin' in Beds of
White" refers to bringing cheer to the hospitalized veterans,
whether in VA Medical Centers, community hospitals or nursing
homes. Often the Cooties visit as a Clown or other costumed
character, designed to put a smile on the faces of our veterans.
The Blood Program is supported by many Cooties, where life
giving blood is donated to blood banks and hospitals nationwide.
The
VFW National Home for Children was started by the Cooties in
1923, and support continues today. Each year, a Cootie Christmas
Party is given under the sponsorship of the Grand of Michigan,
where each child receives a personal gift. In recent years, a
fire truck, a fire station and equipment have been donated to
the National Home by the Cooties.
The Cooties have gathered annually for over 60 years, to
pay tribute to those who answered the call of our nation at the
Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, This event,
known as the "Tomb Trek", is where wreaths are presented by
Cootie units from all throughout the world.
GMOC Official WEBMAIL
The
fertile hunting grounds of the Grand Pup Tent of the Pacific Areas was
sanctioned by the Supreme Great Blue Louse on the First day of April of the
Fifty-First Supreme Scratch, being the year of the Christian era Nineteen
Hundred and Seventy.
