How Many D-Day Veterans Are Alive Today?
June 6, 1944, is a day that will be forever etched in the history books as D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history. It was the day when Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, marking the beginning of the end of World War II. Today, 78 years later, very few of the brave men who stormed those beaches and fought for their country are still alive to tell the tale.
The Decline of D-Day Veterans
According to the D-Day Museum in Omaha Beach, France, there were approximately 4,398 D-Day veterans who took part in the invasion on June 6, 1944. As the years have passed, this number has steadily declined due to the natural process of aging and mortality. According to the United States Veterans Administration, the average life expectancy of a World War II veteran is around 90 years old.
| Year | Number of D-Day Veterans |
|---|---|
| 2014 | **18,000** |
| 2015 | **15,000** |
| 2016 | **12,000** |
| 2017 | **9,000** |
| 2018 | **6,000** |
As you can see from the table, the number of D-Day veterans has been declining sharply over the years. It’s estimated that by 2024, there will be fewer than 2,000 D-Day veterans still alive.
Still Alive and Fighting
Despite the decline, there are still many D-Day veterans who are alive today. In fact, there are still around 350-400 D-Day veterans who are still with us, scattered across the globe. These men, now in their 90s and early 100s, are a rare breed of heroes who still remember the events of June 6, 1944, with vivid clarity.
Who Are They?
The D-Day veterans who are still alive today are a diverse group of men from all over the world. They were soldiers, sailors, and airmen who answered the call to serve their country during World War II. Many of them come from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other Allied countries.
Some notable D-Day veterans who are still alive today include:
- Tom Rice, a U.S. Army medic who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his actions that day.
- Bill Jackson, a U.S. Army paratrooper who jumped into Normandy on D-Day. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the war.
- Jack Lucas, a U.S. Marine who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the war.
Keeping Their Legacy Alive
While the number of D-Day veterans is dwindling, their legacy lives on. Many organizations and museums around the world are working to preserve the history of D-Day and honor the memory of these brave men. The D-Day Museum in Omaha Beach, France, is one such organization. The museum features exhibits on the history of D-Day, as well as stories and artifacts from the men who fought there.
Other organizations, such as the D-Day Squadron, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the C-47 Skytrain aircraft used during D-Day, are also working to keep the legacy of the D-Day veterans alive.
Conclusion
As the last of the D-Day veterans fade away, it’s essential that we remember their bravery and sacrifice. They were the heroes who stormed the beaches of Normandy, fought for their country, and helped bring an end to World War II. We owe it to them to keep their legacy alive, to preserve their stories, and to honor their memory. Whether it’s through museums, organizations, or individual actions, we must ensure that the sacrifices of the D-Day veterans are never forgotten.
