The Impact of War Is Felt for Centuries

Memorial Day is a federal U.S. holiday set aside to remember soldiers who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The effects of war are felt for years after the last soldier comes home. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the VA is still paying the pension of Irene Triplett, an 88-year old daughter of a Civil War veteran. Her monthly pension is $73.13.

While the Civil War has been over for over 150 years, the wars scattering the waning days of the 19th century still have thousands of pension recipients. There are over 4,000 dependents who receive pensions from family service in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War, both of which began in the late 1890’s.