On May 26, 2020, the Veterans of the Great War Society in San Francisco celebrated its 96th anniversary.

On May 16, 1924, a group of eleven people decided to create the Society of Russian Veterans of the Great War in San Francisco. The names of the founders are forever etched in the history of the Russian Diaspora: N. A. Gertso-Vinogradsky, N. I. Shipunov, N. A. Protopopov, D. A. Protopopov, N. I. Plyushkevich, V. I. Nekhoroshev, V. I. Troitsky, V. V. Vladykin, N. K. Khryapin, A. A. Tikhonravov, I. I. Makharadze. The first meeting of the Society took place on May 26, 1924, and this day is considered its birthday.

Who were the members of the Veterans of the Great War Society? Upon joining, one was required to provide information about their education and service in the Russian army, but political views were not taken into account. Therefore, both liberals and monarchists could become members. Among them were both laborers and university professors. According to the charter, the civil war was considered a continuation of the Great War, so the Society included both ordinary volunteers and generals. Among the members were three Russian Imperial Consuls. An officer's Court of Honor oversaw adherence to moral principles.

The founders of the Society did not seek personal comfort and considered emigration temporary. Their thoughts were connected to Russia. The army in exile awaited a call from its leaders, Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich and Lieutenant General P. N. Wrangel. Colonel N. A. Gertso-Vinogradsky, at the first meeting, reported that he had visited General Baron A. P. Budberg and proposed that he lead the Society, to which the baron agreed.

The main task of the organization was to preserve the Russian national idea embodied in the White movement. They believed that as long as the Russian essence was alive, so was Russia, for Russia is where a true Russian heart beats.