As we pause this Memorial Day to honor the men and women in uniform we have lost, it’s timely to note how central the armed forces have been to the White House’s history, its functioning, and how it projects America on the world stage.

From the veterans whose service propelled them to the presidency to the essential duties and ceremonial support provided by soldiers, sailors and airmen, our military has been a part of the White House since its earliest days.

Out of 45 presidents, 31 have served in a variety of roles and capacities in the armed forces. For some, military distinction helped forge a path to the presidency. Even before there was a White House, George Washington’s service as commander in chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War made him the natural choice to become America’s first president.

Andrew Jackson, who also fought in the Revolutionary War, was commissioned as a major general during the War of 1812, where he led military campaigns against the Creek Nation and defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans.

Ulysses S. Grant, the first West Point graduate to become president, fought in the Mexican American War and returned to Army service during the Civil War, where he rose to command the Union armies and lead a victory over the Confederacy.

During the Spanish American War, a Navy assistant secretary named Theodore Roosevelt resigned his position to join the U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, more famously known as the “Rough Riders.” Leading his company’s charge up Kettle Hill during the bloodiest battle of the war earned him national and political prominence.

Dwight D. Eisenhower spent his pre-presidential career in the Army, serving in World War I and then World War II. After commanding the 1942 invasion of North Africa, he gained worldwide fame leading the D Day landings and Allied liberation of Europe, and went on to become the first of seven U.S. presidents who served in World War II.

John F. Kennedy’s World War II heroism was a key part of his public legacy. When his PT-109 boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy led the........

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