GI Bill
On June 22, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, also known as the GI Bill, into law.
Franklin Roosevelt
Silver Tax Stamps
On June 19, 1934, Congress authorized the use of Silver Tax stamps. These stamps paid the tax on profits from the transfer of silver bullion as a result of the Silver Purchase Act of 1934.
Jefferson Counterfeits
On June 16, 1938, the post office issued a 3¢ Jefferson stamp, which was convincingly counterfeited. In fact, the counterfeits are more valuable than the genuine stamp, which rarely happens!
Formation of WAAC
On May 15, 1942, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was established. The women of the WAAC filled important noncombatant jobs, freeing up thousands of men for combat.
The Rural Electrification Administration
On May 11, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation establishing the Rural Electrification Administration (REA). The REA brought power to millions on remote farms.
Works Progress Administration
On May 6, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 7034, establishing the Works Progress Administration. The WPA provided jobs for 8.5 million people in the midst of the Great Depression.
US Savings Bonds
On April 30, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt announced a new series of US Savings Bonds and bought the first one himself the following day. These bonds went on to help raise over $185 billion dollars during WWII.
First Stamp Issued in Presidential Series
On April 25, 1938, the first stamp in the Presidential Series (also known as the Prexies) was issued featuring George Washington. The popular series pictured every deceased US president up to that time, marking the the first postal appearances for 12 US presidents.
Doolittle Raid
On April 18, 1942, Jimmy Doolittle led a daring raid against the Japanese in retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor.