The Legacy of the Bonus Army
The Bonus Army: A Legacy of Courage
In the summer of 1932, tens of thousands of World War I veterans descended on Washington, D.C. They came peacefully, many with families in tow, building tent cities and makeshift camps along the Anacostia River.
These veterans had one simple demand: that America honor the promise it made to them for their wartime service.
At the height of the Great Depression, their promised bonuses were slashed by budget cuts. Facing hunger, homelessness, and despair, they rallied as the Bonus Army — determined to fight for the dignity they had earned on the battlefield.
Every Generation Must Fight
Black veterans returning from World War II were denied their GI Bill benefits by racist policies.
Vietnam veterans fought for decades for recognition and care for Agent Orange exposure.
Post-9/11 veterans had to camp out at the Capitol to secure healthcare for toxic burn pit exposure.
Today, in 2025, veterans face a new betrayal: mass firings, benefits cuts, and a coordinated attack on the Department of Veterans Affairs.
We Are the Bonus Army of 2025
We honor the legacy of those who came before us — not with words alone, but with action.
On June 6th, we will stand where the Bonus Army once stood. We will demand that America's promises to its veterans are kept.
Join us. March with us. Make history with us.