Transition

For a time during and after World War II, active duty military personnel were assigned to the Veterans Administration.

That assignment was represented by a blue circle with a golden phoenix rising from the ashes. This was the shoulder patch worn by the more than 1,000 physicians, dentists, and other medical professionals serving in the U.S. Army at VA medical centers.

This was the same patch worn by Gen. Omar Bradley during his time as VA administrator after the war concluded.

In 1946, Americans were adjusting to life in the immediate aftermath of World War II. Post-war concerns were varied. On November 21, 1946, "The Best Years of Our Lives" opened in movie theaters. The film was praised for its frank portrayal of the transition from military service to Veteran status as seen through the eyes of its three main characters returning to their hometown after the war. The movie poster displayed the cast in their roles.

When The Best Years of Our Lives premiered in November 1946, the nation was in transition. World War II was over but the process of demobilizing and discharging 16 million service members was still ongoing. The movie depicted the challenges Veterans faced reintegrating into civilian society and it was so powerful that VA leader General Omar Bradley had the movie shown to employees at the central office.