Visitors at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. for The American Legion GI Bill 80th Anniversary event view the exhibit The Greatest Legislation (Photo: The American Legion HQ)
On Thursday, an event hosted by The American Legion at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. marked the 80th anniversary of the GI Bill, which is on June 22.
Organized by The American Legion and supported by several sponsors including ARK All-in-One Relocation, Capital Bank, American Gold Star Mothers, and National University, the event celebrated the GI Bill’s historical significance and emphasized the need for its ongoing evolution to support Veterans and their families today and in the future.
During the celebration, a panel of GI Bill beneficiaries, including first-generation Americans and first-in-family college graduates, shared their personal success stories. Among the speakers was Patrick Murphy, a former combat officer in Operation Iraqi Freedom and a member of The American Legion. He stressed the importance of improving support for military families, particularly in employment for military spouses, and encouraged young Americans to consider military service as a pathway to education and career opportunities. Murphy also pointed out that many American families need dual incomes to get by.
Brett Reistad, Past National Commander of The American Legion, praised the foresight of World War I Veterans who pushed for the GI Bill. He urged the audience to think about the opportunities being created for future generations, similar to how the GI Bill benefited World War II Veterans. The Bill’s impact on American society—enhancing education, promoting home ownership, and fostering economic stability—was a major focus.
Joe Garcia from the Department of Veterans Affairs talked about the Digital GI Bill, which simplifies the process for Veterans to access their benefits. He recounted his own experience of using the GI Bill to complete his education and advance his military career, demonstrating its significant impact on individuals.
Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp discussed the enduring nature of the GI Bill, noting that while the challenges facing Veterans have evolved, the nation’s gratitude and responsibility to support them remain unchanged. The event called for continued advocacy and innovative solutions to address issues like Veteran homelessness, unemployment, and access to education.
The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly referred to as the G.I. Bill of Rights, provides federal assistance to Veterans in need of healthcare, business, home purchases, and most importantly, education, to assist them in adjusting to civilian life.
In the early 1940s, 75,000 World War II Veterans were medically discharged each month and returned home to a support system that had not yet been established. In the spring of 1944, the measure was unanimously enacted by both chambers of Congress. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed it into law on June 22, 1944, just over two weeks after the Allied invasion of Normandy.
For over 80 years, the GI Bill has provided $400 billion in benefits to around 29 million Veterans and their families, providing them with opportunities to succeed. However, given the fact that GI Bill benefits are not tied to tuition costs, some individuals argue that Veterans in states with higher tuition costs have fewer opportunities to attend school and partake in the GI Bill program, to include California.
Despite being a lifelong Veteran, the GI Bill benefits of certain Veterans expire, depending on the date of their service. Those discharged before January 1, 2013, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after being separated from the military, and Montgomery GI Bill benefits expire 10 years after separation from the military.
While the GI Bill has been transformative, ongoing efforts are still needed to adapt it to contemporary needs and ensure Veterans and their families are able to benefit.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
