A Grateful Nation

In the aftermath of WWI, millions of Americans returned home to restart their lives during an uncertain and turbulent time. But for the more than 200,000 wounded during the war, that transition back home was even more difficult.

Former Cincinnati Judge Robert S. Marx saw that the nation was ill-equipped to provide the medical care and services the injured and ill returning war veterans needed and had earned. Recognizing the need to address the issues facing his fellow veterans, Marx, a U.S. Army captain who had received the Distinguished Service Cross, teamed with other veterans in the Cincinnati area to create The Disabled American Veterans of the World War, which is now DAV—Disabled American Veterans.

For the past century, DAV has served veterans as they make the critical transition from military service to civilian life. Today, with a century of service and support under our belts and more than 1 million members in our ranks, DAV continues the fight to make medical care, employment, education and other earned benefits accessible to America’s 4 million disabled veterans.

You can show your support and gratitude to DAV by buying tickets and attending their Centennial Celebration with the Cincinnati Pops at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Cincinnati Music Hall.

Led by Maestro John Morris Russell, the Pops performance will feature a dozen musical tributes telling the story and milestones of military history from World War I through modern service. The West Point Glee Club and “American Idol” star Melinda Doolittle will also perform with the orchestra. 

This event will celebrate this special milestone in DAV’s history and honor the millions of brave men and women they have helped to live with respect and dignity after being injured while serving our country.  Founded in Cincinnati in the aftermath of World War I, DAV has assisted veterans of all generations and their families in the ensuing century.

All proceeds benefit DAV. Tickets available now!

Each year, DAV provides more than 240,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with well over 160,000 benefit claims. In 2020, DAV helped veterans receive more than $23 billion in earned benefits.  DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, providing resources and hosting job fairs. These services are offered at no cost to all generations of veterans, their families and survivors.

Just as we are thankful for the service of all of our veterans, we are grateful to DAV for empowering our nation’s heroes and their families by providing the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them through their nearly 1,300 chapters and more than 1 million members across the country.