AMERICA 250
June 22, 2026
HARRY W. COLMERY
World War I Veteran and Father of the G.I. Bill
Today, as America approaches its 250th birthday, we honor Harry W. Colmery, a World War I pilot, attorney, veterans’ advocate, and former National Commander of the American Legion.
Colmery served his country during World War I. But his service to America did not end when he removed his uniform.
He understood that sending Americans to war created another national responsibility: helping those veterans rebuild their lives when they returned home.
In December 1943, with millions of servicemen and women still fighting World War II, Colmery began writing the first draft of what would become the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. Bill of Rights. He wrote the original proposal in longhand on stationery from the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. (The American Legion)
The proposed legislation offered returning veterans something more valuable than a ceremonial welcome home. It offered them a genuine opportunity to begin again.
The G.I. Bill provided assistance for:
- College education and vocational training
- Unemployment benefits during the transition to civilian life
- Government-backed home and business loans
- Financial support while veterans pursued their education
After considerable debate in Congress, the legislation reached President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
On June 22, 1944, exactly 82 years ago today, President Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill into law. (National Archives)
Millions of veterans subsequently attended colleges and training programs, purchased homes, opened businesses, entered professions, and built stronger futures for their families. The American Legion reports that more than eight million veterans attended school under the original program. (The American Legion)
Colmery’s work helped transform military service into a bridge toward opportunity rather than a road ending at discharge.
His legacy continues today. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, commonly called the Forever G.I. Bill, was named in recognition of the principal architect of the original legislation. (House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs)
Harry Colmery reminded America of a lasting truth:
A nation’s obligation to its veterans does not end when the fighting stops.
Some veterans protect America on the battlefield.
Others continue the fight when they return home, making certain that the men and women who served are given the opportunity to build the lives they defended.
Today, we proudly salute Harry W. Colmery, a veteran whose handwritten pages opened classroom doors, helped families purchase homes, and changed the course of millions of American lives.