The National WW2 Museum releases the most accurate estimate of living WW2 veterans every September. They work closely with the VA to get these numbers right, and they are what they are. I figure the numbers in this article are 95% accurate. I know this because Alaska is listed as having zero but the VA up there assured me there are still a few left.
If you know a World War Two Veteran, you are extremely fortunate. Just 7 years ago there were 3000 West Virginian WW2 Veterans still with us. Today there are around 100. That’s it.
Only 14 states have over 1000 and the youngest of all of them – if he was a really good liar in 1945, is 95 years old today. The total number of American WW2 veterans still with us is less than 1/2 of 1% of those who served… 45,000 out of 16,400,000.
On the most part, you can’t really throw them a parade, and a party will have to be in the afternoon. A little cake won’t hurt. When World War 2 Veterans make their Honor Flight to D.C., it should be on every news show in America. They deserve more than we can ever give them but don’t let that be an excuse. Try anyway.
Our oldest veterans should have no needs and they should get what they want. The thing is, they are the Greatest Generation and their way is to not ask for anything. They are thankful for what they’ve got and what they’ve got they worked for. What an example for the younger generations.
It’s difficult for me now being the same age as old people to look at them and realize I’m not really that old. For if they are physically able to do anything, these guys will do it for themselves. And good luck telling them different.
So this Veterans Day, along with a big thank you, ask them what you can do for them. They might just say yes.
“Poor is the nation that has no heroes, but poorer still is the nation that having heroes, fails to remember and honor them.” – Cicero
Paul Dorsey
Bluefield, WV
