How Many World War II Veterans Are Still Alive — Wyoming Ceremonies and Facts
As of 2026, fewer than 45,000 World War II veterans remain alive in the United States, representing less than 0.5% of the 16.4 million who served. Wyoming has fewer than 100 living WWII veterans, one of the lowest numbers among all states. Ceremonies honoring these veterans occur regularly across Wyoming.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Current U.S. WWII Veterans | Fewer than 45,000 as of 2025-2026 |
| Wyoming WWII Veterans | Fewer than 100 |
| Total Who Served | Approximately 16.4 million Americans |
| Youngest Living Veterans | Late 90s to over 100 years old |
| Projected Last Survivor | VA estimates final WWII veteran will pass by 2037 |
| Wyoming Ceremony Locations | Casper, Cheyenne, Sheridan, statewide VA facilities |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Updated For | 2026 |
How Many World War II Veterans Are Still Alive in 2026?
Fewer than 45,000 World War II veterans remain alive in the United States as of 2026. This represents less than 0.5% of the approximately 16.4 million Americans who served during World War II.
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported 45,418 living WWII veterans in 2025, a decline of nearly half from 95,000 just three years earlier . The National World War II Museum similarly estimates fewer than 45,000 remaining veterans .
Current Statistics on Living WWII Veterans
| Year | Estimated Living WWII Veterans |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 95,000 |
| 2025 | 45,418 |
| 2026 | Fewer than 45,000 |
The youngest World War II veterans are now in their late 90s. Most living veterans are over 100 years old. The VA projects the final surviving WWII veteran will pass away by 2037 .
Why the Numbers Are Declining Rapidly
World War II ended in 1945. A service member who was 18 years old in 1945 would be 99 years old in 2026. The passage of time means the Greatest Generation is rapidly diminishing.
Approximately 131 WWII veterans die each day in the United States. This rate means the entire population of living WWII veterans will likely be gone within the next decade.
How Many WWII Veterans Live in Wyoming?
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Wyoming has fewer than 100 living World War II veterans, according to VA data. Wyoming and Vermont, the two least populated states, have the lowest numbers of living WWII veterans in the nation .
Wyoming’s Remaining WWII Veterans
One notable Wyoming WWII veteran is William “Bill” McMillan of Casper. McMillan celebrated his 103rd birthday on December 19, 2025. He served in World War II, was called back for the Korean War, and held a top-secret assignment with the Atomic Energy Commission .
McMillan continues to live independently in his own home in Casper .
Where Wyoming’s WWII Veterans Live
Wyoming’s small population means WWII veterans are scattered across the state. Major population centers including Casper, Cheyenne, Laramie, and Sheridan are home to most of the state’s remaining WWII veterans.
The Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Evansville, Wyoming, serves as a final resting place for many Wyoming veterans, including those from the WWII era .
Ceremonies Honoring WWII Veterans in Wyoming
Wyoming communities hold ceremonies throughout the year to honor surviving World War II veterans. These events recognize their service and preserve the memory of their contributions.
Types of Ceremonies and Events
Veterans Day Ceremonies
Each November 11, communities across Wyoming hold Veterans Day ceremonies. These events often feature WWII veterans as honored guests. Local American Legion and VFW posts organize many of these observances.
Memorial Day Services
Memorial Day ceremonies in May honor fallen service members while recognizing living veterans. Wyoming’s state veterans cemetery in Evansville hosts annual Memorial Day events.
Birthday Celebrations
VA facilities and community organizations host birthday celebrations for WWII veterans reaching milestone ages. In 2025, the Beaumont VA Clinic in Texas honored nine WWII veterans celebrating their 100th birthdays or older .
D-Day Commemorations
Annual ceremonies mark the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion. In 2026, the 82nd anniversary commemoration in Normandy, France, honored WWII veterans who traveled to participate .
Wyoming-Specific Ceremony Opportunities
Cheyenne VA Medical Center Events
The Cheyenne VA Medical Center hosts events throughout the year honoring veterans, including those from the WWII era. These events provide opportunities for community recognition.
Local Veterans Service Organizations
American Legion posts, VFW chapters, and DAV chapters across Wyoming organize ceremonies and recognition events for WWII veterans. Contact your local post for upcoming events.
State Veterans Cemetery Ceremonies
The Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Evansville hosts formal ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. These events honor all Wyoming veterans, with special recognition for WWII veterans.
How to Participate in Wyoming Ceremonies
Veterans, families, and community members can participate in ceremonies honoring WWII veterans by:
Contacting local VSOs — American Legion, VFW, and DAV posts organize many events
Checking VA facility calendars — Cheyenne VA Medical Center posts upcoming events
Following state veterans agencies — Wyoming Veterans Commission announces major ceremonies
Attending public events — Most ceremonies are open to the public
Major WWII Commemoration Events Nationwide
While Wyoming ceremonies honor local veterans, national and international events provide additional opportunities for recognition.
D-Day Anniversary Commemorations in Normandy
Each June, ceremonies mark the D-Day anniversary at Normandy American Cemetery in France. In 2026, the 82nd anniversary event honored veterans who made the journey to participate .
U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Donahue spoke at the 2026 welcome ceremony, joining Brigitte Macron, spouse of French President Emmanuel Macron .
National World War II Memorial Events
The National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., hosts ceremonies throughout the year. Honor flights bring veterans to Washington to visit the memorial.
Honor Flight Programs
Honor Flight programs transport WWII veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the National WWII Memorial. Wyoming veterans have participated in these programs through regional Honor Flight hubs.
VA Benefits for WWII Veterans and Survivors
World War II veterans and their survivors remain eligible for VA benefits. These benefits include health care, disability compensation, and survivor benefits.
Health Care for WWII Veterans
WWII veterans qualify for VA health care through the Cheyenne VA Medical Center and other VA facilities. Priority is given based on service-connected disabilities and income.
Veterans Express Care at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center offers walk-in, same-day visits for veterans with new symptoms. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
VA Disability Compensation
WWII veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for monthly compensation payments. The PACT Act and other legislation have expanded eligibility for certain conditions.
Surviving spouses and dependents of deceased WWII veterans may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or other survivor benefits.
Burial Benefits
VA provides burial benefits for eligible veterans, including those from WWII. Benefits include burial in a VA national cemetery, headstones or markers, and burial flags.
The Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Evansville provides burial options for Wyoming veterans.
How to Apply for VA Benefits
Apply for VA benefits online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center. Required documents typically include:
DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
Medical records for disability claims
Marriage certificate and dependent information for survivor claims
Preserving WWII Veterans’ Stories
With fewer than 45,000 WWII veterans remaining, preserving their stories has become urgent. Several organizations record veteran histories for future generations.
Oral History Projects
The Library of Congress Veterans History Project collects oral histories from veterans. Veterans or family members can submit interviews and memorabilia.
The National World War II Museum in New Orleans maintains an extensive collection of veteran oral histories.
How to Record a Veteran’s Story
Family members can preserve WWII veterans’ stories by:
Conducting video interviews — Ask about service experiences, training, combat, and homecoming
Scanning documents — Photographs, letters, and military records provide context
Submitting to archives — Donate materials to the Library of Congress or National WWII Museum
Sharing with local historical societies — Wyoming historical organizations preserve state veterans’ stories
Common Questions
How many World War II veterans are still alive in 2026?
Fewer than 45,000 World War II veterans remain alive in the United States as of 2026. This represents less than 0.5% of the approximately 16.4 million Americans who served during the war. The VA reported 45,418 living veterans in 2025, with numbers declining rapidly.
How many WWII veterans live in Wyoming?
Wyoming has fewer than 100 living World War II veterans. Wyoming and Vermont, the least populated states, have the lowest numbers of living WWII veterans in the nation. One notable veteran, Bill McMillan of Casper, celebrated his 103rd birthday in December 2025.
When will the last WWII veteran die?
The VA estimates the final surviving World War II veteran will pass away by 2037. Approximately 131 WWII veterans die each day in the United States. The youngest living veterans are now in their late 90s.
Are there WWII veterans in every state?
Yes, World War II veterans live in every U.S. state except Alaska, according to VA data. Wyoming and Vermont have the lowest numbers, each with fewer than 100 living veterans.
What ceremonies honor WWII veterans in Wyoming?
Wyoming honors WWII veterans through Veterans Day ceremonies, Memorial Day services, birthday celebrations at VA facilities, and events organized by American Legion, VFW, and DAV posts. The Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Evansville hosts formal ceremonies.
How can I attend a ceremony honoring WWII veterans?
Contact local Veterans Service Organizations, check the Cheyenne VA Medical Center events calendar, or follow the Wyoming Veterans Commission for announcements. Most ceremonies are open to the public.
What VA benefits are available to WWII veterans?
WWII veterans qualify for VA health care, disability compensation, and burial benefits. Surviving spouses may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Apply through VA.gov or at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center.
How do I apply for VA benefits as a WWII veteran?
Apply online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center. Required documents include your DD-214 and medical records for disability claims. Survivors need marriage certificates and dependent information.
Can family members record a WWII veteran’s story?
Yes. The Library of Congress Veterans History Project and the National World War II Museum collect oral histories. Family members can conduct video interviews and submit materials to these organizations or local historical societies.
What is the youngest age of living WWII veterans?
The youngest living World War II veterans are in their late 90s. Someone who was 18 years old when the war ended in 1945 would be 99 years old in 2026. Most living veterans are over 100.
Key Takeaways
Fewer than 45,000 WWII veterans remain alive in the United States as of 2026, down from 16.4 million who served
Wyoming has fewer than 100 living WWII veterans, one of the lowest numbers among all states
The VA projects the last WWII veteran will pass by 2037, with approximately 131 deaths per day
Wyoming ceremonies honor WWII veterans through Veterans Day events, Memorial Day services, and VSO-organized recognition events
Bill McMillan of Casper, age 103, is one of Wyoming’s remaining WWII veterans
VA benefits remain available to WWII veterans and survivors, including health care and disability compensation
Cheyenne VA Medical Center serves Wyoming’s WWII veterans with health care and hosts recognition events
Oral history projects preserve WWII veterans’ stories through the Library of Congress and National WWII Museum
D-Day commemorations in Normandy honored veterans at the 82nd anniversary in June 2026
Honor Flight programs bring WWII veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the National WWII Memorial
Official Resources
Federal Resources
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
va.gov — VA benefits information and applications
Cheyenne VA Medical Center — va.gov/cheyenne-health-care
VA News — news.va.gov
Library of Congress
loc.gov/vets — Veterans History Project
National Archives
archives.gov — Military service records
Wyoming Resources
Wyoming Veterans Commission
wyomingveterans.com — State veterans services
Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery
Evansville, Wyoming — Burial services for veterans
Veterans Service Organizations
American Legion — legion.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars — vfw.org
Disabled American Veterans — dav.org
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