They have been celebrated for valor and ostracized for participating in unpopular wars. They have received the thanks of a grateful nation in the form of national holidays, numerous veterans' associations, and the GI Bill, and yet have suffered through adversity, from homelessness to post traumatic stress syndrome. They are the nation's veterans, and whether career soldiers or ordinary citizens called to duty, their stories must be heard. Includes primary documents about American veterans ranging from the Revolutionary War to the present Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Description based on print version record.

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.