---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 U.S.C. § 20903"
title: "36"
title_heading: "Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations"
number: "20903"
heading: "Purposes"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/36/20903"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Patriotic and National Organizations"
  - "Part B — Organizations"
  - "Chapter 209 — American Ex-Prisoners of War"
---

# §20903. Purposes


The purposes of the [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7) are as provided in the articles of incorporation and include—

- (1) encouraging fraternity for the common good;
- (2) fostering patriotism and loyalty;
- (3) assisting widows and orphans of deceased ex-prisoners of war;
- (4) assisting ex-prisoners of war who have been injured or disabled as a result of their service;
- (5) maintaining allegiance to the United States;
- (6) preserving and defending the United States from all enemies; and
- (7) maintaining historical records.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1290.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Revised<br>Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
| 20903 | 36:2103. | Aug. 10, 1982, Pub. L. 97–234, § 3, 96 Stat. 261. |

Before clause (1), the words “objects and” are omitted as unnecessary.

In clause (5), the words “of America” are omitted for consistency.