Army and Navy Union of the United States of America facts for kids
Badge
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| Abbreviation | A&NU |
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| Predecessor | The Regular Soldiers' Union |
| Formation | March 31, 1888 |
| Legal status | Federally chartered corporation |
| Purpose | To alleviate suffering among soldiers and sailors |
| Headquarters | Niles, Ohio |
| Location | |
| Services | Employment assistance, caring for the sick, burial service help |
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Membership
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Veterans and active duty personnel of United States Armed Forces |
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Official language
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English |
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Formerly called
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The Regular Soldiers' Union |
The Army and Navy Union (A&NU) is the oldest group for military veterans in the United States. It was officially formed on March 31, 1888, in Ohio. Its full name is the Army and Navy Union of the United States of America.
This organization started as a union for soldiers. Over time, its name changed 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. Armed Forces can join. The main goal of the Army and Navy Union is to help veterans and active-duty military members. They offer support and friendship to those who need it.
Contents
The idea for this organization began in 1841. It grew from earlier groups like The General Society of the War of 1812 and The Grand Army of the Republic. These groups all had similar goals: to support those who served.
By 1886, leaders realized these older groups might disappear as their members grew older. So, they decided to combine them into one lasting organization. This led to the creation of the Army and Navy Union of the United States of America. It was open to all who had served or were serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
On July 17, 1985, a bill was introduced in Congress to officially recognize the Army and Navy Union. Ronald Reagan, who was the President of the United States at the time, signed it into law on November 6, 1986.
The group first started in Ohio with 30 men. It was called "The Regular Soldiers' Union" on March 31, 1888. Its name changed to "Regular Army and Navy Union of the United States of America" on November 11, 1891. It became official across the United States on October 19, 1899. Today, it is a federally recognized organization under U.S. law.
Key Contributions and Events
Honoring Soldiers and Sailors
In February 1897, the Army and Navy Union helped build a stone monument. This monument honored soldiers and sailors who had passed away. It was placed at the San Francisco National Cemetery in San Francisco, California. The monument was dedicated on Memorial Day to remember past soldiers, sailors, and marines. An inscription on it says it was put up by the Pacific Coast garrisons.
The monument is about 17 feet tall. On top of its base is an 8.4-foot statue of a soldier defending the flag. The base shows the Great Seal of the United States and a stack of weapons. There are also images of artillery and other military symbols. Eleven California garrisons helped make this monument possible.
Supporting Veterans and National Issues
In August 1930, the Wisconsin branch of the Army and Navy Union spoke out about a national issue. They favored letting states decide on alcohol laws, rather than a national ban. They planned to share this view at their national meeting in Buffalo, New York.
The Army and Navy Union has also honored important people. In June 1945, they gave publisher William Randolph Hearst the Gold Medal of Honor for his special service. In May 1946, the Kings County division in New York received an award. This was for their great help to sick sailors at the Brooklyn Naval Hospital.
The Union also supported veterans after World War II. In August 1948, their Cincinnati, Ohio division asked the government to provide a bonus for World War II veterans.
Helping with Burials and Homecomings
In September 1947, the Kings County council in New York City helped families. They provided escorts for soldiers who had died in World War II and were being brought home. The group also helped with the Freedom Train Brooklyn display. This train showed important American historical documents. Thousands of people came to see it.
Historical Activities and Conventions
Presidential Addresses and Conventions
On May 30, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech in Portsmouth, Virginia. This event was hosted by the Army and Navy Union. It ended with the unveiling of a monument at the local Naval Cemetery.
The Union held its 13th national meeting in Washington, D.C. on July 17, 1907. They sent a telegram to President Roosevelt, who sent back his thanks and good wishes.
In September 1909, the Union held its 14th meeting in Erie, Pennsylvania. Over 200 delegates attended, including Civil War veterans. 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 restore Perry's old ship Niagara.
Growth and New Members
In August 1911, the Army and Navy Union held its 15th meeting in Rochester, New York. During this meeting, 10,000 members from the Seamen's Gunners' League joined. This doubled the size of the organization! They also discussed if women from the Ladies Auxiliary could become full members of the Union.
The 16th national meeting took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in September 1913. About a thousand delegates attended. They even took a river trip to see shipyards.
In September 1915, the 17th meeting was held in Washington, D.C.. About 25,000 visitors came, including Union members. The event included a large parade with many veteran groups, a military ball, and a dinner with government officials.
The 18th meeting was in Baltimore, Maryland in September 1917. Maryland Governor Emerson Harrington welcomed 500 delegates. There was also a banquet and an old-time campfire event. About 2,000 visitors came to this convention.
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Badge 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. It can even be worn on Army or Navy uniforms. In 1913, the U.S. Congress allowed old American Civil War cannons to be melted down. This metal was used to make medals for the organization's members.
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 protect the United States government and its Constitution.
They also help former service members find jobs. They care for those who are sick and help with burial services.
The Army and Navy Union brings together all soldiers, sailors, and marines. This includes regulars and volunteers, and veterans from all wars. Besides being patriotic, the organization also helps with history and family records. Their main goal is to unite veterans in a group that shares similar military backgrounds.
The Army and Navy Union's main goal is to support national security and defense. It aims to keep alive the friendship among those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The organization wants 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 local 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 join. The organization has garrisons across the eastern United States. Some examples include:
- 1 Gen. George Washington Garrison, Cincinnati, Ohio
- 51 Garrison, New Jersey
- 65 Defenses of Washington Garrison, DC
- 102 John W. Wagner Garrison, Akron, Ohio
- 150 William F. Cody Garrison, Canton, Ohio
- 244 Niles Garrison, Niles, Ohio
- 250 Firestone Park Garrison, Akron, Ohio
- 302 Lt Col Henry du Pont Garrison, Wilmington, Delaware
- 411 Ashtabula Garrison, Ashtabula, Ohio
- 1982 Bolivar Army Navy Garrison, Bolivar, Ohio
- 3697 Garrison, Largo, Florida
