The Old Soldiers' Home "They have freely risked life and limb to protect the nation, and it seems simple justice for the nation to care for them when they are unable to care themselves" ( Guide Publishing 1) was an opinion shared by many at the end of the Civil War. After these men put their lives on the line for the nation, any line of thought contrary to this would be absurd. War-related injuries are expected, but unfortunately some of the blows these veterans received were too harsh to recover from. Over 100,000 Union Army men would not be able to return to civilian work, due to injuries or disabilities sustained while on duty. The United States would not let these war veterans and their hard work and dedication go unnoticed, unrewarded, or unappreciated and action was taken as soon as possible. To care for these disabled veterans, “on March 3, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act of congress establishing the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers” (Burns 1). With the signing of this act of congress, the idea of ​​soldiers' homes was officially outlined and fully implemented. The Old Soldiers' Home, now known as the VA Medical Center, was founded to ensure that war veterans were cared for, out of respect for their loyalty to the nation. It was inevitable that there were veterans all over the United States who actually needed government assistance, which is why more than one branch of Soldiers' Homes were established, ensuring that as many of these war veterans as possible were taken care of. The central branch, located in Dayton, Ohio, the eastern branch near Augusta, Maine, the northwestern branch near Milwaukee, and the southern branch near Fortress Monroe, Virgin...... middle of paper. ... .., happy, and giving them another chance to live is the truest and most noteworthy achievement for the founders of the Old Soldiers' Home. The Old Soldiers' Home was established to ensure that war veterans were taken care of, out of respect for their loyalty and its goal was achieved. With this home in Dayton, Ohio and others, no soldier will go unnoticed. Works Cited Burns, Carolyn. Soldiers' Home, Dayton, Ohio. Network. August 16, 2009 http://www.carolynjburns.com/soldiersU.S. Department of Affairs. Dayton VA Medical Center, Ohio. Web.April 2, 2012. http://www.dayton.va.govThe Guide Publishing Company. National Soldiers' Home Guide for Visitors and Citizens: With Sketches of Dayton. Dayton, OH: The GuidePublishing Company, 1891. Print.Earnshaw, William. History of the National Home for Disabled Soldiers.1875. Press.