"A MAJOR IMPACT ON POST SECONDARY EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES"

FDR SIGNS G.I. BILL INTO LAW, TRUMP SIGNED FOREVER G.I. BILL

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Serviceman's Readjustment Act, better known as the G.I. Bill, at the White House.

The GI Bill provided returning veterans of World War II money for college tuition, living expenses, books and supplies.  The bill had a major impact on post secondary education in the United States. 

Before WWII, 15% of young Americans went on to higher education.  After WWII, 50% of all college students were veterans.  The bill included a provision to provide low interest loans for housing which would provide the opportunity for veterans and their families to move out of urban apartments to new homes in the suburbs.

Harry W. Colmery*, former commander of the American Legion, wrote the first draft of the GI Bill while Senator Ernest McFarland of Arizona, Warren Atherton, and Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts played major roles in the legislation.

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in 2017 after passing both houses of Congress unanimously.  The legislation, known as the "Forever G.I. Bill," eliminated the 15 year expiration date and gave Purple Heart recipients (after Sept 11 2001) 100% benefits.

 *Harry W. Colmery, a Kansas attorney, served as an Army Air Force pilot in World War I. His  post war experiences contributed to his interest in helping WWII vets have an easier transition to civilian life.

SOURCE

"Trump signed the 'Forever GI Bill.' Here are 11 things you should know,
by Natalie Gross, August 16, 2017, www.rebootcamp.militarytimes.com/ 

United States Stamp

GI Bill 1944

U.S. Postal Service 

 

AFTER WWII HALF OF ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS WERE VETERANS

ROOSEVELT SIGNS G.I. BILL

Washington (JFK+50) Franklin D Roosevelt signed the Serviceman's Readjustment Act, known as the GI Bill, on June 22, 1944 at the White House here in the Nation's Capital.

The GI Bill provided returning veterans of World War II money for college tuition, living expenses, books and supplies.  The bill had a major impact on post secondary education in the United States. Before WWII, 15% of young Americans went on to higher education.  After WWII, 50% of all college students were veterans.  

The bill included a provision to provide low interest loans for housing which would provide the opportunity for veterans and their families to move out of urban apartments to new homes in the suburbs.

Harry W. Colmery*, former commander of the American Legion, wrote the first draft of the GI Bill and Senator Ernest McFarland of Arizona, Warren Atherton, and Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts played major roles in the legislation.

*Harry W. Colmery (1890-1979),was born in Braddock, PA & graduated from Oberlin College in 1913.  HWC graduated from the University of Pittsburgh law school in 1916 & was an Army Air Force pilot in World War I.  HWC was awarded the American Legion's Distinguished Service Award in 1975.

SERVICEMAN'S READJUSTMENT ACT

JFK+50:  Volume 6, No. 1988

FDR SIGNED GI BILL INTO LAW 72 YEARS AGO TODAY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Seventy-two years ago today, June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Serviceman's Readjustment Act which became better known as the GI BILL.

The legislation was designed to compensate returning World War II veterans for their service.  Veterans would receive money for college tuition, living expenses, books and supplies.

The first draft of the proposed law was written by Harry W. Colmery, former national commander of the American Legion.  The law was intended to prevent the ill treatment afforded World War I veterans who participated in the Bonus March of 1932.  

Mr. Colmery said...

"Never again do we want to see the honor and glory of our nation fade to the extent that her men of arms, with respondent heart and palsied limb, totter from door to door, bowing their souls to the frozen bosom of reluctant charity."

The GI Bill's co-sponsors were Senator Ernest McFarland (D-Arizona) and Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers (R-Massachusetts).  Note:  Mrs. Rogers is seen looking over FDR's shoulder in the photo below.  President Roosevelt handed her the first pen he used in the signing ceremony.

Before WWII, only 15% of young Americans went on to higher education. After WWII, however, thanks to the GI BILL, 50% of all college students were veterans.  Today the GI Bill provides benefits for 10 million veterans and their dependents.

SOURCE

"GI Bill History," The American Legion, www.legion.org/

FDR Signs GI Bill

The White House

Washington, D.C.

FDR Library Photo

FDR SIGNS GI BILL

FDR SIGNED GI BILL 70 YEARS AGO TODAY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Serviceman's Readjustment Act, a.k.a. the GI Bill, seventy years ago today, June 22, 1944, at the White House here in the Nation's Capital.

The GI Bill provided returning veterans of World War II money for college tuition, living expenses, books and supplies.

The bill had a major impact on post secondary education in the United States. 

Before WWII, 15% of young Americans went on to higher education.  After WWII, 50% of all college students were veterans.

The bill included a provision to provide low interest loans for housing which would provide the opportunity for veterans and their families to move out of urban apartments to new homes in the suburbs.

Harry W. Colmery*, former commander of the American Legion, wrote the first draft of the GI Bill while Senator Ernest McFarland of Arizona, Warren Atherton, and Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts played major roles in the legislation.

Veterans Administration Letter

July 6, 1944

Veterans Administration Image

*Harry W. Colmery, a Kansas attorney, served as an Army Air Force pilot in World War I. His  post war experiences contributed to his interest in helping WWII vets have an easier transition to civilian life.

He was awarded the American Legion's Distinguished Service Award in 1975. HWC died at the age of 88 in 1979.