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This story tells how much recipients are receiving due to fighting in various wars:
Now above $22 billion annually, Vietnam War compensation costs are roughly twice the size of the FBI’s annual budget.
Older wars:
World War I, which ended 94 years ago, continues to cost taxpayers about $20 million every year.World War II? $5 billion. Compensation for WWII veterans and families didn’t peak until 1991 — 46 years after the war ended — and annual costs since then have only declined by about 25 percent.Korean War costs appear to be leveling off at about $2.8 billion per year.
Don't forget the Civil War:
There are 10 living recipients of benefits tied to the 1898 Spanish-American War at a total cost of about $50,000 per year.The Civil War payments are going to two children of veterans — one in North Carolina and one in Tennessee — each for $876 per year.
U.S. still paying Civil War veterans' familiesFor WWI, that's an average of over $8700/year for each beneficiary.
It's kind of neat to see. On one hand, yes, it does give you pause as you realize that your government may be effectively paying for war 100+ years into the future. And yes, as was also mentioned in the article, nations should really think carefully before waging war. On the other hand, paying veteran benefits is really an example of quid pro quo; they are benefits received for service performed. This service, needless to say, is crucial to national interest. Contrast this with entitlements, or handouts given to citizens without a corresponding service performed. While both veteran benefits and entitlements require the government to expend much, what the government gets in return is vastly different.
