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Veteran

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A veteran is a person who no longer serves in the armed forces. They are people who once belonged to a country's military. Many veterans face hard jobs after they leave their service. For example, some may have health problems or trouble with stress. Researchers look at how life changes for people who served in combat areas. In places like Australia and the United States, these health needs are very important.

Veteran-Head down-Wheelchair-Nishapur
Veteran-Head down-Wheelchair-Nishapur

Different countries have different ways to honor these people. Many nations hold special holidays to show respect. In Commonwealth countries, people observe Remembrance Day on November 11th. They often wear a red or white poppy on their clothes to show peace or remembrance. In Russia, a tradition exists where new couples visit military cemeteries on their wedding day. In France, people who were hurt in war may get the first seats on public buses.

Sydney 2015 Anzac Day march (17119683648)
Sydney 2015 Anzac Day march (17119683648)

History shows how the treatment of veterans has changed over time. In the United Kingdom, the streets once had many veterans begging for help. After the First World War, the government created the King's National Roll Scheme. This was a special program to help disabled veterans find jobs. In the United States, President Abraham Lincoln spoke about caring for those who fought in the Civil War. Later, groups like the American Legion helped pass the G.I. Bill. This law gave veterans money for school and helped them buy homes.

Cover-of-book-for-WWI-veterans-by-William-Brown-Meloney-born-1878
Cover-of-book-for-WWI-veterans-by-William-Brown-Meloney-born-1878

There are many different types of veterans in the United States. As of 2017, there were about 21 million veterans in the country. Some veterans were born in other places, like Mexico or the Philippines. Women have served in the military for over two hundred years. Even though they have served a long time, some women felt they were "invisible" veterans. Today, more than 8 percent of U.S. veterans are women. Many states even celebrate Women Veterans Day to recognize them.

Pracinhas e Dilma
Pracinhas e Dilma

Modern wars have also changed the veteran experience. During recent conflicts like Operation Iraqi Freedom, many troops were part of the National Guard or Reserve. These soldiers often have to move between military life and home life many times. Because of better medicine, more people survive serious injuries from war today. This means more veterans return home needing help with things like brain injuries. It is a big change from how things worked in the past.

Memorial Day 2013 – San Francisco National Cemetery – 06
Memorial Day 2013 – San Francisco National Cemetery – 06
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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Sydney 2015 Anzac Day march (17119683648).jpg
Sydney 2015 Anzac Day march (17119683648).jpg
File:Veteran-Head down-Wheelchair-Nishapur.jpg
Veteran-Head down-Wheelchair-Nishapur.jpg
File:Den Pobedy Veteranen IMG 0618 b1.jpg
Den Pobedy Veteranen IMG 0618 b1.jpg
File:Pracinhas e Dilma.jpg
Pracinhas e Dilma.jpg
File:A Korean War Veteran, Ed "Doc" Brown stands at attention during a repatriation ceremony held July 10, 2001 at Hickam AFB, Hawaii 010710-F-TV770-002.jpg
A Korean War Veteran, Ed "Doc" Brown...
File:USS Missouri veterans.JPG
USS Missouri veterans.JPG
File:Memorial Day 2013 – San Francisco National Cemetery – 06.jpg
Memorial Day 2013 – San Francisco...
File:Portable War Memorial Sculpture by Michael Moffett.jpg
Portable War Memorial Sculpture by...
File:Cover-of-book-for-WWI-veterans-by-William-Brown-Meloney-born-1878.jpg
Cover-of-book-for-WWI-veterans-by-William-...
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