Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a long history. It stretches back to the time of the colonies. The first benefits system for disabled soldiers was set up by the Pilgrims. The Plymouth Colony was at war with the Pequot Indians. The Pilgrims passed a special law. It said that disabled soldiers would be supported by the colony. The Continental Congress gave pensions for disabled soldiers during the Revolutionary War. In 1811, the first facility to care for veterans was approved by the federal government.
In the 19th century, the program expanded again. This time, it gave benefits and pensions to the widows and children of soldiers who died. After the Civil War, many states set up veterans' homes. Congress changed the benefits system for soldiers when the country entered World War I. In 1930, the Veterans Administration was established. It provided many services to veterans. Some of these services included hospitals, .....
