Bonus Betrayal: Veterans Unite for Immediate Cash Payment

In a fiery and packed mass meeting at Waterbury’s armory, over 1,500 World War veterans stood united in their demand for immediate cash payment of the soldiers’ bonus on April 20, 1932. This massive gathering, one of the largest since the Armistice, sent a resounding message to Connecticut’s congressional leaders and U.S. senators that the soldiers’ cause would not be silenced. The meeting, led by Angelo Possemato as chairman, was a testament to the unyielding spirit of these returning heroes, who endured unimaginable hardships and sacrifices for their country.