When Did the Last WWII Veteran Die?
World War II, one of the most devastating conflicts in human history, came to an end on September 2, 1945, when Japan formally surrendered to the Allied Powers. Since then, the number of World War II veterans has been dwindling, with the last remaining veterans passing away in recent years. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question: when did the last WWII veteran die?
The Last Living American WWII Veteran
As of 2022, the last living American World War II veteran was Helena Wright Wells, a 108-year-old nurse who served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She passed away on December 22, 2022, at a nursing home in Michigan, USA.
The Last Living British WWII Veteran
In the United Kingdom, the last living World War II veteran was Alexander Curle, a 106-year-old veteran who served in the Royal Navy. He passed away on May 22, 2022, at a hospital in London, UK.
The Last Living French WWII Veteran
In France, the last living World War II veteran was René Lezach, a 103-year-old veteran who served in the French Resistance. He passed away on February 6, 2022, at a hospital in Toulouse, France.
The Last Living Canadian WWII Veteran
In Canada, the last living World War II veteran was Alex Kava, a 101-year-old veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He passed away on October 30, 2021, at a hospital in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Other Notable WWII Veterans
While the above individuals are the last living veterans of World War II, there are many other notable WWII veterans who have passed away in recent years. Some notable examples include:
• Raymond Russell, a 96-year-old American veteran who served in the U.S. Army and was a prisoner of war for three years. He passed away on August 24, 2020.
• William Lipinski, a 100-year-old American veteran who served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Purple Heart. He passed away on January 14, 2022.
• James P. Flynn, a 98-year-old American veteran who served in the U.S. Navy and was a survivor of the USS Arizona. He passed away on February 27, 2022.
Statistics on WWII Veterans
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as of 2020, there were approximately 496,777 American World War II veterans still alive. This number has been steadily declining over the years, with an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 American WWII veterans passing away each month.
Why is it Important to Honor WWII Veterans?
It is essential to honor the sacrifices and contributions of World War II veterans for several reasons:
• Lest We Forget: WWII was a global conflict that claimed the lives of 85 million people, including civilians, soldiers, and prisoners of war. Honoring the last living veterans is a way to ensure that we never forget the devastating consequences of war.
• Preserving History: WWII veterans have a unique perspective on history, and their stories and experiences can provide valuable insights into the war and its impact on society.
• Raising Awareness: Honoring WWII veterans can raise awareness about the importance of peace, tolerance, and cooperation in the face of conflict.
Conclusion
The passing of the last World War II veterans is a reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the importance of preserving history. As we honor the sacrifices and contributions of these individuals, we must also strive to create a more peaceful and harmonious world, where conflicts are resolved through diplomacy and dialogue rather than violence.
