The Watervliet Arsenal Fort: Daughters of '98

The Watervliet Arsenal Fort No.168, Daughters of '98

The membership of the Daughters of '98 is composed of daughters, granddaughters, great granddaughters, legally adopted daughters, stepdaughters, foster daughters, daughters in law, grand daughters in law, nieces and grand nieces, cousins of anyone eligible for membership in the United Spanish War Veterans, who have reached the age of five (5) years.

Its objects are to bind closer together the descendants of the United Spanish War Veterans, to perpetuate the memory of those who carried the flag to victory in 1898, to endeavor to hold high the standards of our organization, and to encourage the aims and aspirations of the United Spanish War Veterans.

The organization has a program based on Child Welfare and Patriotic work on behalf of the U.S.W.V. and their dependents in Veterans Homes and Hospitals working in conjunction with the Auxiliary, U.S.W.V.

By resolution approved at the National Convention held in Kansas City, Missouri, August 23rd to 28th, 1947, the Daughters of '98 were granted certain legal rights to function. Substance of the Resolution is as follows: "Two or more Forts shall be grouped and called a Department. The newly formed Department will then proceed to form a National Fort. The local Forts shall function through their Departments, the Departments through their National Fort, and the National Fort will function under the direction of the National Auxiliary, U.S.W.V."

On August 30th, 1960, the National Fort, Daughters of '98, Auxiliary, U.S.W.V., was granted a charter by the National Auxiliary, U.S.W.V. The charter was presented to National Fort Captain Ada Knect by National Auxiliary President Kathleen Galvin.

Since 1934, there have been 81 Forts instituted. There are also a number of members-at-large.

Nine states organized departments: New Jersey, Illinois, New York, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Massachusetts & Texas.

The National Fort consists of 14 officers, some of whom are elected and some appointed.

A Fort may use the name of the City, town or state in which it is located or the name of a descended member of the organization.

Each year at the annual Daughters Convention breakfast a Layette is presented to a representative of an Orphanage or child welfare agency. These baby clothes are donated by the members of all Forts. The National Child Welfare Chairman in Charge.

Cadets participate in services held on February 15th [The date of the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine] Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Flags and Banners are carried in the Massing of Colors. Floral Tributes are placed. Many cities have Hiker Monuments were ceremonies are conducted at special times.

The Spirit of 76' will live forever in the hearts of the Daughters of '98. We pledge ourselves to always revere the founds of this great land, and to preserve the memory of our fathers, the United Spanish War Veterans. God bless those sisters who are still with us. In your golden years may you find consolation in knowing that the Daughters of '98 will assist you as long as the need exists.

NameSake Of The Watervliet Arsenal Daughters Fort

The Daughters Of '98 Watervliet Arsenal Fort's Namesake was chosen to honor the Watervliet Federal Arsenal here in Watervliet,Ny.

Membership in the Daughters

The membership dues for the organization are $10.00 for Initial Membership, and then $5.00 every year for the annual membership dues.

Checks or Money orders are to be made out to:

"J.M. Leonard Camp No.168, SSAWV"

All membership application requests should contact the Fort Adjutant for further instructions:

E-Mail the Fort Adjutant for an Application

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