A Vow of Remembrance
The forget-me-not flower has served as the official symbol of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for over a century, representing a commitment to remembering injured and ill service members. The tradition began shortly after World War I, when more than 200,000 wounded soldiers returned to the United States to face a government and healthcare system completely underprepared for their complex needs. In response, Judge Robert S. Marx, a severely injured wartime veteran, founded the Disabled American Veterans of the World War to advocate for his fellow service members.
The choice of the small blue blossom was deeply personal to those who served. Veterans recalled seeing wild forget-me-nots blooming across the war-torn battlefields and over the makeshift graves of their fallen comrades in Europe. This vivid image transformed the flower into a living reminder of the heavy toll of war. Seeking a way to fund their advocacy and support programs, the organization officially launched its first public Forget-Me-Not drive on February 24, 1926, asking the American public for donations in exchange for the small token.
Today, the tradition continues each year, particularly on November 10, which is designated as National Forget-Me-Not Day. Local DAV chapters and volunteers nationwide distribute replicas of the blue flower to ensure that the sacrifices of veterans are never overlooked. The grassroots campaign remains a vital lifeline for the organization, with all proceeds directly funding free programs, medical transportation, and claims assistance for disabled veterans and their families.
