Routledge - Paid Patriotism?: The Debate over Veterans' Benefits

What does a nation owe its military veterans? Paid Patriotism?: The Debate over Veterans' Benefits by Routledge examines the complex relationship between service and compensation. This book looks at the fundamental questions surrounding national gratitude, ranging from land grants and medical care to pensions and higher education. Since the Revolutionary War, the American people and elected officials have debated whether serving in the armed forces is an obligation undertaken without expectation of reward, or if specific benefits are owed. The text explores the historical growth of these discussions, including the debate over whether distinctions should be made between those who saw combat and those who did not. This work is an essential resource for those interested in the history of social policy and the evolution of veteran support in the United States.