The second Bonus Army arrived in D.C. in May of 1933. This time around, their experience was quite different. FDR gave them tents, latrines, showers and had mess halls prepare food for them at an old Army post in Fort Hunt, Virginia. The Bonus veterans received medical and dental care, as well. Eleanor Roosevelt, FDR's wife, spent time in the camp unaccompanied by Secret Service (see image below). The veterans loved her. A much repeated saying at the time was "Hoover sent the Army. Roosevelt sent his wife."
By 1936, with the country's hopes on the rise and the New Deal a way of life, Congress finally passed a bill authorizing payment of the deferred WWI bonuses. Years later, the G.I. Bill of Rights was inspired by the determination of the Bonus Army.
As for our Spare A Dime veteran, he joined the CCC! We'll explore his experience tomorrow!