Anyone who has cleaned out a family attic knows the importance of keeping family records. You may have military records from relatives who served in one of the World Wars—or even the Civil War. Or pictures of your great-great grandparents on the day they became American citizens. Or the canceled check that paid for your first home. Now imagine the task of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)—the nation’s record keeper.
VETERAN’S HISTORY:
1789 – A law was passed to give money to soldiers who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
1861 – The Civil War broke out. The number of Union veterans grew from 80,000 to 2 million!
Who’s eligible for V.A. long-term care benefits? The V.A. provides nursing home and other long-term care — the V.A. calls it “extended care” — for many veterans.
In the month of February we celebrate Presidents Day in honor of two great United States Presidents; George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Both were heroes of wars fought on U.S soil for freedom and unity of our great country. The United States has fought many wars throughout the world since that time to keep freedom here at home and continues to do so. From the beginning our country has established a program to care for the men and women of our military who fought in those wars.
Military personnel records can be used for proving military service, or as a valuable tool in genealogical research. Most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and other military and medical records several ways.