During this week’s recognition of our Veterans, it is an appropriate time to recognize the contribution our military has made to the profession of Physical Therapy. The first physical therapists were called “reconstruction aides” and were responsible for helping injured veterans during World War I. After the war, government funding was decreased, and these early physical therapists applied their acquired skills to the civilian population in a wide variety of settings. With the onset of World War II, the demand for skilled professionals exceeded the availability of physical therapists and this led the military to develop a new program which trained enlisted members to assist physical therapists. These “physical therapy technicians” were the precursors of todays “physical therapist assistant.” In the 1970’s, the military allowed injured soldiers to consult with military physical therapists without physician referral. This was the starting point of “direct access” which now exists in some form in most states and allows individuals to consult with a physical therapist without a physician referral. While we are thankful for all of the service and sacrifice, past and present, we are especially thankful to those in the military who created the legacy and profession we are part of.