Over 41 million men and women have served in the United States armed forces since the formation of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. They fought in wars at home and abroad and continue to serve our nation in conflicts around the world today.
Since the creation of the all-volunteer military in 1973, the number of veterans in the population has steadily declined. Statistics compiled in 2020 indicate that less than 13% of adult men and 1% of adult women served. Military service is becoming increasingly rare.
Atlanta History Center records, preserves, and makes accessible the stories of men and women who did serve as well as the civilians who supported them. Their stories allow future generations to hear directly from those who lived through our nation’s conflicts to better appreciate the realities and the sacrifices of war.
These are the voices of our veterans.
Related Content. Learn More
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Story
During WWI, women of all classes, nationalities, and races joined service and military organizations prepared for the battlefront, hospital, and relief effort.
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Projects & Initiatives
The Veterans History Project oral history collection contains video and audio interviews of those who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Global War on Terror, and civilians who supported them.
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Goizueta Gardens
Within steps of the Atlanta History Center Museum, reflect on the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—the United States of America.
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Exhibition
Between 1964 and 1975, nearly 3,500,000 men and women served in the United States armed forces in Southeast Asia. Each of them has a story to tell. Each story is unique.