Veteran's Day

Veterans Day is observed on November 11, in remembrance of the ending of World War I and honoring honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. These books relate the history surrounding that war and the service, sacrifice, and bravery of all United States veterans.


Cover of The First World War: A Complete History

The First World War: A Complete History

Martin Gilbert

The author draws upon his travels throughout wartorn Europe and on letters from and talks with World War 1 servicemen for his assessment of the war's effects, especially on the British. Rather than describing the battles, Gilbert focuses on the suffering of individuals, the war's impact on future leaders such as Hitler and Churchill, and the emergence of new warfare tactics. Companion to Second World War

Book Length:
Digital Book Number: DB040464

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Cover of Secret Warriors

Secret Warriors: The Spies, Scientists, and Code Breakers of World War I

Taylor Downing

Behind the physical fighting of World War I, an intellectual war was fought between engineers, chemists, code-breakers, physicists, doctors, mathematicians, and intelligence gatherers. Downing profiles key incidents and figures who played significant roles in the war as well as in the progress of the twentieth century. 

Book Length:
Digital Book Number: DB081814

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Cover of On Hallowed Ground

On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery

Robert M. Poole

Describes how the former plantation of Robert E. Lee's family, which was confiscated during the Civil War, evolved into a national cemetery for veterans. Explains day-to-day operations and ceremonies.

Book Length:
Digital Book Number: DB071779

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Cover of The First Code Talkers

The First Code Talkers: Native American Communicators in World War I

William C. Meadows

An ethnohistory of known Native American Code Talkers of World War I, exploring the origins of code talking, misconceptions and popular myths, recognition of military service, and the impact on code talkers during World War I"-- "The first full account of these forgotten soldiers in our nation's military history, The First Code Talkers covers all known Native American code talkers of World War I--members of the Choctaw, Oklahoma Cherokee, Comanche, Osage, and Sioux nations, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee and Ho-Chunk, whose veterans have yet to receive congressional recognition. William C. Meadows, the foremost expert on the subject, describes how Native languages, which were essentially unknown outside tribal contexts and thus could be as effective as formal encrypted codes, came to be used for wartime communication. While more than thirty tribal groups were eventually involved in World Wars I and II, this volume focuses on Native Americans in the American Expeditionary Forces during the First World War. Drawing on nearly thirty years of research--in U.S. military and Native American archives, surviving accounts from code talkers and their commanding officers, family records, newspaper accounts, and fieldwork in descendant communities--the author explores the origins, use, and legacy of the code talkers. In the process, he highlights such noted decorated veterans as Otis Leader, Joseph Oklahombi, and Calvin Atchavit and scrutinizes numerous misconceptions and popular myths about code talking and the secrecy surrounding the practice. With appendixes that include a timeline of pertinent events, biographies of known code talkers, and related World War I data, this book is the first comprehensive work ever published on Native American code talkers in the Great War and their critical place in American military history.

Book Length:
Digital Book Number: DB118378

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Cover of Forever a Soldier

Forever a Soldier: Unforgettable Stories of Wartime Service

Tom Wiener

Veterans recall experiences of battle from World War I to the war in Iraq. Soldiers' letters, diaries, memoirs, and oral histories provide personal accounts of D-Day, the Tet offensive, heroic actions, and sinking ships. Includes an interview with Senator John McCain about his captivity in Vietnam. 

Book Length:
Digital Book Number: DB061291

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Cover of Veterans Benefits For You

Veterans Benefits For You: Get What You Deserve

Paul R. Lawrence

Veterans of the United States armed forces are entitled to a broad range of benefits and services provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Dr. Paul R Lawrence, former Under Secretary for Benefits in the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides an up-to-date, comprehensive and accessible guide to all the benefits and services available to veterans of the US armed services and how to make the most of these benefits and services. Guidance and Insights for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors Include Topics: Basic Health Care Eligibility & Benefits; Hospitals & Clinics; Disability & Rehabilitation; Counseling & Mental Health Care; Employment Assistance; Pensions; Loans & Insurance; Memorial Services; Military Records & Medals; GI Bill, Scholarships & Grants; And much more... Dr. Lawrence will help you fight for the benefits you were promised when you agreed to serve your country!

Book Length:
Digital Book Number: DB115703

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Reading Lists

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