Army and Navy Union of the United States of America facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Army and Navy Union of the United States of America

Badge
Abbreviation	A&NU
Predecessor	The Regular Soldiers' Union
Formation	March 31, 1888; 137 years ago (1888-03-31)
Legal status	Federally chartered corporation
Purpose	To alleviate suffering among soldiers and sailors
Headquarters	Niles, Ohio
Location	United States
Services	Employment assistance, caring for the sick, burial service help
Membership	Veterans and active duty personnel of United States Armed Forces
Official language	English
Commander	Don Youngblood
Formerly called	The Regular Soldiers' Union

The Army and Navy Union (A&NU), officially called the Army and Navy Union of the United States of America, is the oldest group for veterans in the United States. It started in Ohio on March 31, 1888. Its name changed over time to include all sailors and soldiers from every part of the United States Armed Forces.

Anyone who has served honorably or is currently serving in the U.S. military can join. The group's main goal is to help veterans and active service members. They offer support and friendship to those who have served our country.

History of the Union

The idea for this organization began way back in 1841. It grew from other groups for soldiers who fought in wars. These groups included the General Society of the War of 1812 and the Grand Army of the Republic. All these groups had similar goals: to support soldiers.

By 1886, people realized these groups might disappear as older veterans passed away. So, they decided to combine them into one lasting organization. This new group became the Army and Navy Union of the United States of America. It was open to anyone who had served or was serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Becoming an Official Organization

On July 17, 1985, a bill was introduced in Congress to officially recognize the Army and Navy Union. Ronald Reagan, who was the US President at the time, signed it into law. This made the organization official across the country on November 6, 1986.

The group first started in Ohio with 30 men. They called themselves "The Regular Soldiers' Union" on March 31, 1888. The name changed to "Regular Army and Navy Union of the United States of America" in 1891. It became official throughout the United States on October 19, 1899. Today, it is a federally recognized organization under U.S. law.

Important Events and Contributions

Army and Navy Union monument in San Francisco

The monument inscription at its base

In 1897, the Army and Navy Union helped create a stone monument. This monument honored soldiers and sailors who had died. It was placed at the San Francisco National Cemetery in San Francisco, California. The monument was finished on May 30 and dedicated the next day, Memorial Day. It was a special way to remember past soldiers, sailors, and marines.

The monument is about 17 feet tall. On top of its base is an 8.4-foot statue of a soldier protecting the flag. The base shows the Great Seal of the United States and a pile of weapons. There is also an image of light artillery at the bottom front. This monument was a project started by 11 California groups of the Union.

Awards and Support

Commemorative Medal of the Union of Army and Navy awarded to General Haller

In June 1945, the Army and Navy Union gave a Gold Medal of Honor to publisher William Randolph Hearst. This award was for his excellent service. In 1946, a part of the Union in Kings County, New York received an award. They were honored for helping sailors who were recovering at the Brooklyn Naval Hospital.

The Union also supported veterans after World War II. In 1948, their Cincinnati, Ohio group asked the government to give a bonus to World War II veterans.

In 1905, the Army and Navy Union gave medals of honor to some Union soldiers. These soldiers had volunteered for special duties. They served in Maryland and Pennsylvania in 1863 during the American Civil War. They did this extra service without pay.

Historical Gatherings

On May 30, 1906, US President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech in Portsmouth, Virginia. This was for a memorial event organized by the Army and Navy Union. It ended with the unveiling of a monument at the local Naval Cemetery.

Biennial Conventions

The Union held its 13th big meeting, called a biennial convention, in Washington, D.C. in 1907. This was also the ninth anniversary of the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. They sent a friendly message to President Roosevelt. He sent a message back, thanking them and wishing them success.

In 1909, the Army and Navy Union held its 14th convention in Erie, Pennsylvania. Over 200 delegates attended, including veterans of the American Civil War. They sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" to start the meeting. Women from the Auxiliary to the Army and Navy Union also attended. At this meeting, they suggested asking Congress to help restore Perry's old ship Niagara.

In 1911, the Union announced its 15th convention in Rochester, New York. At this meeting, ten thousand new members joined from the Seamen's Gunners' League. This doubled the size of the organization! They also discussed if loyal women from the Ladies Auxiliary could become full members.

The 16th convention took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1913. About a thousand delegates attended. They even took a river trip to see shipyards.

In 1915, the 17th convention was held in Washington, D.C.. About 25,000 visitors came for this event. There was a large parade with all the veteran groups from the Washington area. The program also included a grand military ball and a dinner with important government officials.

The 18th convention happened in Baltimore, Maryland in 1917. Maryland Governor Emerson Harrington welcomed 500 delegates. There was a banquet and an old-time campfire event later that week. About 2000 visitors came to this convention.

Freedom Train of 1947

In 1947, the Kings County council of the Army and Navy Union in New York City helped families. They provided escorts for families whose soldiers who died in World War II were being brought home. The group also helped with the Freedom Train Brooklyn display. Thousands of people saw this special train, which showed historical documents.

Badges and Medals

The official badge of the Army and Navy Union was designed in 1892. Members wear this special badge at public events and ceremonies. The badge can even be worn on Army or Navy uniforms. In 1913, the United States Congress allowed old cannons from the American Civil War to be melted down. This metal was then used to make medals for members of the organization.

What Members Do

There are no strict rules about how long someone must have served to join. The main job of Army and Navy Union members is to support and protect the United States government and its Constitution. They also help former service members find jobs, care for those who are sick, and assist with burial services.

The Union's goal is to bring together all comrades, shipmates, soldiers, sailors, and marines. This includes regular and volunteer service members, and veterans of all wars. Besides being patriotic, the organization also helps with history and family records. Their main aim is to unite all these veterans in a friendly group with similar experiences.

The Union Today

The Army and Navy Union's main goal is to support national security and defense. They want to encourage friendship among everyone who has served in the United States Armed Forces. The organization aims to continue high values like patriotism, loyalty, justice, and service to the United States. It is the oldest veterans' organization in America.

The Army and Navy Union of the United States of America still has groups, called garrisons, in many states. Its main office is in Niles, Ohio. As of 2016, Don Youngblood was the national commander. Anyone who has received an honorable discharge or is currently serving in the U.S. armed forces can become a member.

Garrisons Across the U.S.

In October 2016, the Army and Navy Union's website listed these garrisons, mostly in the eastern United States: