"Americanism" is what the public usually recalls about the VFW when they see or hear of veterans involved in patriotic holidays, performing honor guard duties at graveside for fallen comrades, marching the color guard in parades and other visible community events, or distributing patriotic literature at patriotic assemblies. Flags and flag education are important elements of the VFW's Citizenship Education program. Fostering patriotism and honoring America's veterans, whether it is Independence Day or Veterans Day, is part of the VFW's philosophical core. Public commemorations hosted by VFW Posts worldwide cultivate an appreciation of both the responsibilities and benefits of being an American.

VFW Department of Nevada Post members are less visible but no less involved in patriotic educational activities, among which are providing teachers with patriotic educational materials for all grades, appearing in the classrooms as supplemental instructors as part of the "Veterans in the Classroom" program.

Lastly, VFW Department of Nevada Posts present flags to the community, be it small flags handed out to children in the classroom or during a parade, presenting community organizations with outdoor display flags, or performing a flag-folding ceremony at a community gathering.