Oops, understandably ambushed by the confusion of terminology. "Veteran" in the sense that the American Totten used the term in the late 19th century meant well seasoned and experienced (e.g., the "veteranized" Federal regiments in the American Civil War, most of whose members re-enlisted in late 1863 or early 1864, when 3-year enlistments ran out). His meaning is most definitely not those old fellas standing guard on a home-town rampart!

Howie