When Will The US Lose Its Last WWII Veterans?

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the official end of World War II in Europe, but the number of people who witnessed the war firsthand is dwindling rapidly. Speaking to contemporary witnesses is an effective way to learn from history, but fewer are available to recount what happened 80 years ago. A recent survey found that 37 percent of Americans know little or nothing about World War II or the events leading up to it, making it essential to ensure the lessons learned outlive those who served in the conflict. 16 million Americans fought in World War II, but today their numbers are rapidly diminishing, with the US Department of Veterans Affairs estimating that less than 70,000 are still alive today. The number of living WWII vets will rapidly decline over the coming years, with the last ones expected to pass away in the early 2040s. World War II was the largest and deadliest conflict in human history, claiming the lives of over 50 million combatants and civilians by the time it ended in 1945. More than 400,000 American service members died in the conflict, making it the deadliest war in America's history. The last American veteran of the First World War, Frank Buckles, passed away in February 2011. The number of WWII veterans is declining rapidly, and it is essential to learn from their experiences before they are gone. It is crucial to remember the lessons learned from World War II to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.