36 U.S.C. § 140502 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 36. Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations § 140502. Principles and purposes

(1) commemorating all national patriotic holidays;

(2) maintaining true allegiance to the Government of the United States and fidelity to its Constitution and laws;

(3) preserving and strengthening comradeship and patriotism among its members;

(4) assisting, comforting, and aiding all needy and distressed members and their dependents;

(5) giving needed hospital and service work through its Department of Veterans Affairs certified service officers;

(6) cooperating with other civic and patriotic organizations having worthy objectives;

(7) keeping alive the achievements and memory of our country's founders;

(8) ever cherishing the memory of General George Washington, who founded the Purple Heart at his headquarters at Newburgh-on-the-Hudson on August 7, 1782;

(9) influencing and teaching our citizenry, in a loyal appreciation of the heritages of American citizenship, with its responsibilities and privileges; and

(10) preserving and defending the United States from all enemies.