World War II Veteran Addresses Crowd at National Memorial

A World War II veteran delivered remarks Saturday at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., urging younger generations to remember those who served. The veteran, who turns 98 in August, said the country had lowered the recruiting age to 16 during the war because it needed manpower.

He described entering service at that age and the abrupt end of civilian life that followed. "Tell them about veterans and say to them that we gave up our yesterdays for your tomorrows," the veteran said through rain while holding a military salute.

The speaker noted that the United States had a population of 130 million at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack and placed 16.2 million people in uniform. He added that 440,000 service members did not return home. He also highlighted the role of the U.S. Merchant Marine, stating that 250,000 personnel were recruited and that the group lost 733 ships while transporting troops and supplies.

The veteran told attendees to tell others about the memorial and about standing in the rain to hear the remarks. He described the gathering as an act of dedication to those who served. "We are the last of a breed who you sponsored to represent you, your families," he said.