June 22, 1944 - the G.I. Bill

[NutmegCT]

One of the greatest benefits ever created by Congress for veterans - the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, often called the "G.I. Bill".

President Roosevelt signs the bill, June 22, 1944, in the Oval Office.

(l to r) Bennett “Champ” Clark, J. Hardin Peterson, John Rankin, Paul Cunningham, Edith N. Rogers, J.M. Sullivan, Walter George, John Stelle, Robert Wagner, (unknown), and Alben Barkley. Edith Rogers, a long-time supporter of social programs, was the first woman from Massachusetts to be elected to Congress.

 

[DrEntropy]

Edith Rogers, a long-time supporter of social programs, was the first woman from Massachusetts to be elected to Congress.

And by the look of that hat she made sure everyone recognized it (her).

 

[Trevor Triumph]

I bet some of my high school teachers benefitted from the bill. I am sure my classmates and I benefitted having them as teachers. there was a documentary a few years ago suggesting that many of our medical, technical advances were due to the schooling the veterans received. Closer to home, both my sons got financial help for their college courses.

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks for taking my post seriously.

 

[JPSmit]

Last month Mrs JP and I went to Newport RI. Just up from our condo is this:

Was given a lovely tour and the fellow showing me around was talking about the number of former service members who were becoming ship's carpenters. He even mentioned that one student was attending in his final months or year of service. What I didn't realize is that there is also funding for those who have been injured - the fellow said it starts at 15% injury - which can be hearing damage - and he said, it is almost impossible to get out of the service without some hearing damage.

As someone who is regularly angered by the disregard for vets on both sides of the border I do know the difference this program made (and makes).

 

[waltesefalcon]

Last year I attended the thesis defense of a classmate. She had written on the GI Bill and its affect on the US in the late 40s and 50s. I learned quite a bit about the bill, and how it helped shape University culture. Quite an impressive and important act.

 

[mikephillips]

My dad went to college and law school after Korea with help of the bill. As a farm boy he might not have managed any of that without it. So it is the reason I'm here too. You may debate the pros and cons of that....

 

[LarryK]

Spent two yrs after Marines at local colleges by way of the G.I. bill. Paid for my gas.

 

[Bayless]

The G.I. bill at least helped me pay for college,along with a student loan, a full time job and a band.