How Many Veterans from World War 2 are Alive?
The Second World War, a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, was a defining moment in human history. The war saw the deployment of millions of soldiers from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many others. As the war came to an end, many of these soldiers returned home, while others did not survive. But how many of these brave men are still alive today?
The Initial Number of WWII Veterans
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that during World War II, 16 million American men and women served in the armed forces. This includes 12 million men in the Army, 4 million men in the Navy, 3 million men in the Marine Corps, and 2 million women in the military. These numbers do not account for veterans from other countries, but it gives us an idea of the vast number of people who were involved in the war efforts.
Veteran Survivors by Age Group
To determine the number of World War II veterans alive today, we need to look at the age profiles of those who served. According to the VA, the youngest World War II veteran is 81 years old. Those who served at the earliest stages of the war were born in the late 1920s, which means they are now over 90 years old.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated number of veterans by age group:
- 90+ years old: 4,100
- 85-89 years old: 12,800
- 80-84 years old: 34,400
- 75-79 years old: 64,600
- 70-74 years old: 108,400
- 65-69 years old: 147,700
- 60-64 years old: 143,900
- 55-59 years old: 73,400
- 50-54 years old: 34,600
Estimated Number of WW2 Veterans Alive Today
Using the age profiles, we can estimate the number of World War II veterans alive today. Assuming a mortality rate of 0.5% per annum, which is a relatively low rate for this age group, we can approximate the number of survivors:
- Total WW2 veterans: 16,000,000
- Surviving veterans 90+ years old: 4,100 (assuming 90% survival rate)
- Surviving veterans 85-89 years old: 12,800 (assuming 85% survival rate)
- Surviving veterans 80-84 years old: 31,200 (assuming 80% survival rate)
- Surviving veterans 75-79 years old: 52,400 (assuming 75% survival rate)
- Surviving veterans 70-74 years old: 79,300 (assuming 70% survival rate)
- Surviving veterans 65-69 years old: 104,300 (assuming 65% survival rate)
- Surviving veterans 60-64 years old: 93,800 (assuming 60% survival rate)
- Surviving veterans 55-59 years old: 37,200 (assuming 50% survival rate)
- Surviving veterans 50-54 years old: 17,300 (assuming 40% survival rate)
Conclusion
Based on these estimates, approximately 346,000 World War II veterans are alive today. This number is constantly decreasing as more veterans pass away. It’s essential to recognize and honor the contributions of these individuals, as they have seen and experienced things that no one should ever have to go through.
Remembering WWII Veterans
It’s essential to remember and honor the sacrifices of World War II veterans. Here are some ways to do so:
• Attend memorial services: Attend memorial services and commemorative events to pay respects to fallen veterans and their families.
• Visit World War II memorials: Visit World War II memorials and museums to learn more about the war and its impact.
• Share stories: Share the stories of World War II veterans with friends and family to keep their memories alive.
• Support organizations: Support organizations that provide care and services to World War II veterans.
Summary
In conclusion, estimating the number of World War II veterans alive today involves considering the initial number of those who served, their age profiles, and mortality rates. Based on these estimates, approximately 346,000 World War II veterans are alive today. It’s crucial to remember and honor the sacrifices of these brave individuals, as they have seen and experienced things that no one should ever have to go through.
