Peterson Sorenson
The Greatest Generation is still with us, though their numbers are shrinking fast. Despite this, certain states continue to be home to surprisingly large populations of WWII veterans. These strongholds reveal where service began and where the legacy quietly lives on. Discover which states still honor these national heroes today.
California
You wouldn’t expect a state known for Hollywood to top the charts in WWII veteran populations, but California does, with 7,455 still living. Its massive wartime industry and sprawling military bases drew soldiers from every corner. The result? A legacy of veterans who never left the Golden State behind.
Florida
Why have so many WWII veterans made Florida their final home? The warm climate plays a role, but so does the extensive healthcare infrastructure. With an estimated 5,511 still living there in 2024, it’s clear the Sunshine State has quietly become a haven for the Greatest Generation.
Pennsylvania
Steeped in military tradition, Pennsylvania’s 3,930 surviving WWII veterans represent more than a statistic—they’re living echoes of a war effort supported by steel towns and shipyards. Their presence lingers in small-town parades and veterans’ halls, adding emotional weight to the state’s role in preserving wartime memory.
Texas
A strong sense of duty is deeply rooted in Texas culture, reflected in its large veteran community. An estimated 29,000 WWII veterans remain, many tied to the state’s long military lineage. Bases like Fort Sam Houston and the climate-friendly south have offered comfort in later years. They helped defend America, and Texas remembers.
New York
Not every veteran left for quieter corners. In New York, roughly 2,500 WWII veterans still reside—many near the same boroughs or towns where they trained, shipped off, or returned decades ago. Their loyalty to the Empire State mirrors the fierce loyalty they once showed their country.
Ohio
Ohio doesn’t often lead in national spotlight moments, but it carries weight in veteran history. With about 2,000 WWII veterans still alive, the state’s central location and VA network keep its military legacy relevant. The stories of these veterans live on in schools and backyard flagpoles in every county.
New Jersey
Life in New Jersey has always been fast-paced, but for the over 15,705 living WWII veterans, it’s also been stable. Military communities near Trenton and the strong VA healthcare system have helped many remain active. They influence how the state defines patriotism and public service.
Illinois
Roughly 1,500 WWII veterans continue to call Illinois home, many clustered around Chicago’s urban core or spread through farming counties. Access to medical care, veterans’ organizations, and historical centers has created an enduring support system. In Illinois, remembrance isn’t a holiday—it’s a part of daily life.
Massachusetts
Family ties often outweigh warm climates. About 5,006 WWII veterans still reside in Massachusetts, often near the same neighborhoods they left behind for Europe or the Pacific. Rich in history and veteran outreach, the state offers continuity, where memories of service still mingle with Sunday dinners and Celtics games.
North Carolina
Military bases like Fort Liberty may draw headlines, but it’s the quieter support networks that serve North Carolina’s 1,710 WWII veterans in 2024. They benefit from faith communities, local VA hospitals, and a population that holds its servicemembers close. Here, gratitude doesn’t fade with the passing decades.
