The Bonus Army and the Summer of Discontent

During the summer of 1932, thousands of World War I veterans descended upon Washington, D. C. to demand early payment of bonuses for time spent in the military. This “Bonus Army” included veterans and their families. The Attorney General of the United States ordered these protestors to be removed from government property. In July, General Douglas MacArthur, supported by infantry, cavalry, and tanks, removed the protestors, and burned their belongings. Virginia War Memorial Director of Education Jim Triesler will explore the plight of the Bonus Army and the impact the protest had on the presidential election of 1932. Register early for this virtual only event: vawarmemorial.org/events