Veteran facts for kids
A veteran is a person who has served in the armed forces of their country. This term is often used for those who have fought in a war. The word "veteran" comes from the Latin word vetus, which means "old" or "experienced". Veterans are honored for their service and sacrifices.
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Veterans and Their Groups
After serving, many veterans join special groups. These groups help veterans and their families. They also remember those who served and educate people about military history.
Veterans Groups in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, one important group is The Royal British Legion. It started in 1921 after the First World War. This group helps veterans and their families with many things, like housing and jobs.
Veterans Groups in the United States
The United States has many veterans' organizations. These groups often formed after major wars.
After the American Revolution, officers created the Society of the Cincinnati. This was one of the first veteran groups.
Following the US Civil War, soldiers from both sides formed their own groups:
- For the Union (North):
- Military Order of the Loyal Legion
- Grand Army of the Republic
- For the Confederate (South):
- United Confederate Veterans
After the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) was formed. This group is still active today. After World War I, the American Legion was created. Both the VFW and American Legion are very large and well-known.
Other important US veteran groups include:
- AMVETS: This group supports American veterans from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
- DAV: The Disabled American Veterans helps veterans who were injured during their military service.
- Marine Corps League: This group is for veterans who served in the United States Marine Corps.
Some veteran groups are also made for specific parts of the military. For example, there are groups for Army, Navy, or Air Force veterans. Others are for people who served in a particular unit, like a ship or a division.
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Order of the Cincinnati badge
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Grand Army of the Republic badge
Images for kids
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Soviet veterans on Victory Day 2013
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An Iranian veteran and war wounded man of the Iran–Iraq War in a wheelchair in Nishapur, at the funeral of his comrade
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Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff with veterans of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force during a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, May 8, 2015
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Veterans who served on the battleship Missouri, pictured here shortly after a ceremony marking the anniversary of the end of World War II
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World War II veteran on Memorial Day 2013 at San Francisco National Cemetery
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Book given to U.S. veterans in 1919 to help them readjust to civilian life
See also
In Spanish: Veterano para niños
