United Spanish War Veterans facts for kids
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The United Spanish War Veterans (USWV) was an important group in America. It was made for soldiers, sailors, and Marines who fought in three specific wars. These wars were the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, and the China Relief Expedition. This organization helped veterans stay connected and supported.
How the USWV Began
After the Spanish–American War ended in 1899, many soldiers wanted to stay in touch. They formed different groups to keep their friendships alive. Some of these groups included the Spanish War Veterans and the Army of the Philippines.
As the 1900s began, these smaller groups started to join together. In 1904, three of the biggest groups combined. They formed the United Spanish War Veterans. This new group quickly became the largest and most important for veterans of the Spanish–American War.
More groups joined the USWV over time. For example, the Legion of Spanish War Veterans merged with them in 1906. In 1908, the Veteran Army of the Philippines also joined. This group was made of people who served in the Philippine Islands.
Who Could Join the USWV?
The United Spanish War Veterans welcomed people who served in three main conflicts. These were important moments in American history.
- Spanish–American War
- This war happened from April 1898 to February 1899.
- Most of the fighting ended by July 1898.
- However, the peace treaty was not signed until February 6, 1899.
- Philippine–American War
- This conflict lasted from February 1899 to July 1902.
- It was a fight against Filipinos who did not want the United States to take over their islands.
- President Theodore Roosevelt announced the war was over on July 4, 1902.
- China Relief Expedition
- This event took place from 1900 to 1901.
- It is often called the "The Boxer Rebellion."
- Veterans from this expedition were allowed to join the USWV in the early 1920s.
The End of the USWV
The United Spanish War Veterans organization lasted for many years. It finally ended in 1992. The last known member was Nathan E. Cook. He passed away just before his 107th birthday.
Nathan E. Cook is sometimes mistakenly called the last veteran of the Spanish–American War. However, he actually served in the Philippine Insurrection from 1899 to 1902. He joined the US Navy in 1901 when he was sixteen years old.
