WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi is marking the 60th anniversary of the "GI Bill of Rights" on June 22, calling it "one of the greatest pieces of legislation in American history."
"The GI Bill made home ownership and college education available to millions of Americans," Principi said. "By harnessing the talent and drive of America's veterans, it created six decades of opportunity for the men and women who served in uniform."
About 21 million veterans, service members and family members have received more than $77 billion in GI Bill benefits for education and training since 1944. Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the educational program has undergone several major changes over the years. The current version is the Montgomery GI Bill.
The GI Bill's home-loan guaranty program has been used by 17.5 million people for loans totaling $830 billion. Last year, more than 90 percent of participants took advantage of the program's unique no-downpayment feature.
"VA is proud to play a part in holding open the door to the American dream for millions of veterans," Principi said. "We will continue this legacy by looking for new ways to adapt this marvelous program to the changing needs of veterans."
