Many of VA’s benefits or services can be traced back to June 22, 1944. That’s when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (SRA) of 1944, otherwise known as the G.I. Bill of Rights.
“This generation,” said Roosevelt, “has a rendezvous with destiny.” More than 16 million Americans served in World War II. Nearly 300,000 died in battle. Many were returning home to uncertain futures.
But these Veterans had determined allies.
Harry Colmery was a World War I Veteran, a former national commander of the American Legion and a former Republican National Chairman. He and the committee of legionnaires he led had a plan: a law that would assist new Veterans in their transition from military service.
Colmery wrote the original language of the bill that would eventually be sponsored by U.S. Representative Edith Norse-Rogers (R-Mass.), who eventually chaired the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
The SRA provided WWII Veterans funds for college, unemployment insurance and housing benefits. By the end of the World War II-era in 1956, roughly 8 million out of 16 million WWII Veterans had used their G.I. Bill benefit for some kind of training.
“With the signing of this bill a well-rounded program of special Veterans’ benefits is nearly completed,” Roosevelt said. “It gives emphatic notice to the men and women in our armed forces that the American people do not intend to let them down.”
The G.I. Bill put tools and resources into the hands of young Americans looking to create a better life for themselves and their families, helping to create and strengthen the American middle class.
The G.I. Bill also had important social impact. It played a role in the promotion of the American Dream—owning a home, getting a good education and achieving upward mobility.
Observe the 80th Anniversary of the G.I. Bill
Upon its passage 80 years ago, not all Veterans benefitted equally. Racial and gender disparities made it difficult for all Veterans to access and use the benefits they earned. While VA cannot tell this story without including this truth, today, equity and access have become part of VA’s top priorities. VA remains committed to supporting America’s Veterans of every generation as they strive to realize their own American Dreams.
In the coming days, we’ll be publishing more news stories about the benefits derived from the SRA, including employment and training benefits available to some disabled Veterans, the origin of the Veteran Readiness and Employment, and more info on VA’s home loan benefits.
In the meantime, we want to know, how have you used yours? Let us know in the comments below.
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For many, the G.I. Bill provided a path to the American dream by helping them pursue education, secure employment after military service and purchase a home.
Yes I have used my G.I. Bill benefits. Thank you Uncle Sam.
The G.I. bill helped me with collage and gaining employment. Thank You.
After my discharge from the service I became a Police Officer in 1960, At that time I was married. 4 years later with2 children , a new house & working 2 jobs I decided that I decided to enroll in Baruch College for 2 years , then John Jay College of Criminal Justice for 3 years – both part of the New York City College University System. Then, with 2 more years under the GI Bill I proceeded to attend C W Post College for a Master’s Degree. I quit my parttime job early on to get that education. I continued with the Police Department and with my worked Bachelors & Master’s degrees received a Board of Education Certificate & taught in several city high schools. After retirement (24 years), I worked for a large Building Corp. as Director of Life Safety & held NY Fire Det. Multi-site Fire Safety Certificate I then Worked for A large Security Corp. as a VP of Compliance & Training At the tender age of 68 I retired. PS: Total cost of education was $ 11,000 . It worked for me.
As a Vietnam era veteran I had GI Bill Opportunities and accepted them all when I needed them. In the 70’s and 80’s my education was paid for completely, with a very small amount needed via private ($7,500.00) loans. My home loan was backed by the GI BILL! Now, my health is being covered by the GI BILL! If your resting on your laurels then you may need to start advocating for yourself.
I am 87, Vietnam Viet, and have been waiting for some benefits, especially the High Blood Pressure presumptive claim plus 9 other claims denied. The military and the American government are a joke. I will die with nothing except my brain damage.
I used both my education benefit and VA Home Loan guaranty, thanks for helping to make my life better with those benefits!
I used my GI benefits after my 6 years of active duty and stayed in the reserve too. It always covered my books and supplies. My husband was still on active duty and when he joined the reserves he also went to school and was glad to have the allotment for his books and supplies as well. Both of us were able to pursue careers that kept us busy until re/retirement age.
Many years ago the GI Bill helped me complete my Bachelor’s and my Law defree,
I didn’t know I was able to use it. I. Getting ready to move and it may be of help to me. Would like more information on it. Temporary and permanent housing. Thanks
Jim kolb,usmc 1963 to 1966
V.N. 65&66
Why do you continue to deny paying Reservists their rightful benefits? You’ve been aware that you do not have access to their qualifying service since at least 2014 yet continue to not care.
The G.I. Bill was great–for WWII vets. For us Vietnam vets, it was a royal screw job. I put myself through college, mainly with the support of my wife. The $130.00 a month G.I. Bill payment was an insult. Where the WWII vets got more than that, plus book, plus tuition, plus rent, all we got was that measly $130.00 per month. And don’t get me started on the difference in the life insurance programs. I understand that reparations are the big thing now. They might consider starting with the Vietnam vets.