I transcribed a student’s grandfather’s war diary a few years ago. He was on USS Bennington which was at Okinawa. It was April 1, 1944, both Easter and April Fools Day, just like today. The code name was “Love Day”. His diary reads just like the history books. They expected heavy resistance on the beaches and were surprised when there was none. Expected to have things under control quickly but then things got seriously bad. It is all disappearing from living memory now.
The American Legion Christmas party last December had 5 people who had served during WW2. A few more than that who served in Korea. Us Viet Nam era types had a bunch. Not many for Iraq and Afghanistan. The new vets are busy with families and things are to fresh in there minds I think. I hope they get on board someday. All gave some, Some gave all.