At the time World War I ended, there existed several veterans organizations including; The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), organized in 1914, which consisted mostly of veterans of the Spanish-American War, and The American Legion. However, many veteran officers felt that an organization should be formed that would be concerned primarily with the protection of our country from enemies both, foreign and domestic. Such an organization could not only meet the needs of our country, but could also perpetuate the fellowship born of the veterans' military service experiences. The Military Order is a patriotic nonpartisan organization, which holds that it is "nobler to serve than to be served". The Order was established in 1919 to promote the welfare of our Nation. The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) came into existence as "The American Officers of the World War". During the first convention, the name was changed to "The Military Order of the World War". After World War II, the name was changed again by adding an "s" after the word "War"".
The Order is a unique organization, which seeks no benefit for itself or for its members. It promotes the welfare of our Nation as a whole. Because it is not a self-seeking organization, The Military Order of the World Wars is widely respected and listened to throughout all branches of government and across the country.
The Order provides an opportunity for U.S. Commissioned Offices, Warrant Officers, and Flight Officers who have served honorably in the Uniformed Services of the United States to unite in a strong program for national security and good citizenship. The MOWW motto "TAKE TIME TO SERVE YOUR COUNTRY" sums up the Preamble of the Order's constitution.
A brief history of the local "General J. P. Holland Chapter" is available here.