<P> In 1990, 40% of young Americans had a veteran for a parent; this decreased to 16% in 2014 . As of 2017 there are some 21 million American veterans . </P> <P> President Abraham Lincoln, in his second inaugural address in 1865 towards the end of the American Civil War, famously called for good treatment of veterans: "(T) o care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan". The American Civil War produced veterans' organizations, such as the Grand Army of the Republic and United Confederate Veterans . The treatment of veterans changed after the First World War . In the years following, discontented veterans became a source of instability . They could quickly organize, had links to the army and often had arms themselves . The Bonus Army of unemployed veterans was one of the most important protest movements of the Great Depression, marching on Washington, D.C. to get a claimed bonus now that Congress had promised them decades in the future . </P> <P> Each state of the United States sets specific criteria for state - specific veterans' benefits . For federal medical benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, prior to 7 September 1980 the veteran must have served at least 180 days of active duty, after the above - mentioned date the veteran must have served at least 24 months . However, if the veteran was medically discharged and receives a VA service - connected disability stipend, the time limits are not applicable . </P> <P> After the Second World War, in part due to the experience of the First World War, most of the participating states set up elaborate veterans' administrations . Within the United States, it was veterans groups, like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, that pushed for and got the G.I. Bill enacted . These gave veterans access to free or subsidized education and health care . The newly educated GIs created a significant economic impact, and with the aid of VA loans were able to buy housing and establish themselves as part of a growing American middle class . The explosion of the suburbs created sufficient housing for veterans and their families . </P>

When are you considered retired from the military