Terry Watkins, these faces tell *** story of pride. They are etched by time and memory. Their hats bear the visual reminders of the places and times they fought for their country. They are reminders of an organization that keeps those memories alive. There is pride in this room, pride in each other. Pride in the country they served and pride in the flag that represents it. I think it’s different for *** veteran when he sees the flag and salute it because he knows what he joined the military for, for what he fought for, for what some of us have gotten captured and became prisoner war for you. Remember all the comrades soldiers that you went in with and trained with and served with and you had *** friendship there that you never forgot. And then the number of those that was killed and blowing up in one thing or another and never did come back. We had the all to the fight and while I saw my comrades uh saying, repeating those words in the background, I could hear their words. And yet to me, I don’t know, it gives me I’m glad I’m an American. These veterans are hoping more Vietnam Vets will join their organization. So the traditions will continue Terry Watkins by the live news tonight.
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Get the Facts: The shifting veteran landscape
Veterans are spread across the country, but their numbers are dwindling.According to the Census Bureau, U.S. military veterans account for 6.1% of the nation’s adult population as of 2023. The highest concentration is in Alaska, where around one in every 10 adults previously served in the armed forces. The makeup of these veterans has changed over time: a decade ago, 6.7% of all veterans had served during World War II. Now, just above a half of a percent of all living veterans were enlisted then. As time passes, that number is only going to fall – Calvin Graham, the youngest known U.S. servicemember during World War II, would be 94 if he were still alive today. Overall, the number of living U.S. military veterans has dropped from 19.6 million in 2013 to 15.8 million in 2023.Nearly half of all veterans served in the Army, based on data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The next most common branch is the Navy, followed by the Air Force and the Marines.
Veterans are spread across the country, but their numbers are dwindling.
According to the Census Bureau, U.S. military veterans account for 6.1% of the nation’s adult population as of 2023. The highest concentration is in Alaska, where around one in every 10 adults previously served in the armed forces.
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The makeup of these veterans has changed over time: a decade ago, 6.7% of all veterans had served during World War II. Now, just above a half of a percent of all living veterans were enlisted then. As time passes, that number is only going to fall – Calvin Graham, the youngest known U.S. servicemember during World War II, would be 94 if he were still alive today. Overall, the number of living U.S. military veterans has dropped from 19.6 million in 2013 to 15.8 million in 2023.
Nearly half of all veterans served in the Army, based on data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The next most common branch is the Navy, followed by the Air Force and the Marines.























