From the American Revolution to today's conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, this book captures the lives and voices of our nation's soldiers in an unprecedented way. Coverage includes the specific experiences of POWs, MIAs and their familites, as well as African American, female and Native American soldiers. Additional entries focus o key historic figures like Theodore Roosevelt and General Douglas MacArthur, veterans' organizations such as the American Legion and the VFW, legislative initiatives, and the full range of memorials and monuments dedicated to our fighting men and women.

List of entries --List of primary documents -- Guide to related topics -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- Timeline -- The encyclopedia -- Primary documents -- Appendix I. Monuments, memorials, and museums : a state by state guide -- Appendix II. Veterans' organizations -- Bibliography -- Index.