02/15/2026
On February 15, 1898, the battleship USS Maine exploded and sank in Havana Harbor, Cuba. In a matter of minutes, 266 American sailors lost their lives.
At the time, the United States was watching events unfold in Cuba as it struggled for independence from Spain. The destruction of the Maine shocked the nation and gave rise to the rallying cry: “Remember the Maine!” Just weeks later, the United States entered what became the Spanish-American War.
Why does this matter to the VFW and our veteran community?
The Spanish-American War marked the emergence of the United States as a global power—and it was one of the first overseas conflicts that shaped the modern American veteran experience. Many of the values we hold dear in the Veterans of Foreign Wars—camaraderie, remembrance, and advocacy—trace their roots to veterans of conflicts like this one who understood the importance of standing together after service.
The sinking of the USS Maine reminds us of three enduring truths:
⚓ Service comes with sacrifice.
⚓ We must never forget those who gave their lives in uniform.
⚓ Veterans are strongest when we remain united.
As members of the VFW and as a community, we pause to remember the 266 sailors who never came home. Their sacrifice is part of the long lineage of American service members whose courage paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today.
“Remember the Maine” is more than a historical phrase — it is a reminder of our duty to honor, support, and advocate for all who have worn the uniform.
