World War II veteran David Yoho delivered a powerful message to younger generations, urging them to remember the sacrifices made by service members. Yoho, who is turning 98 in August, spoke at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and his words gained significant attention online over Memorial Day weekend.
“Tell them about veterans and say to them that we gave up our yesterdays for your tomorrows,” Yoho said through the rain, with a strong military salute despite his emotional state. “And if they say to you, who did you hear speak these words? Tell them it was a 16-year-old boy in the heart and mind and body of a 98-year-old veteran of World War II,” he added.
“When you’re 16, you’re a child playfully in your streets, and the day you enter the military, that stops,” Yoho reflected, emphasizing the rapid maturation demanded by war.
He spoke about the enormous effort by more than 16 million Americans who joined the military after the Pearl Harbor attack and the hundreds of thousands who did not return. Yoho highlighted the military’s need for manpower, which led to recruiting younger men during the war.
Addressing the crowd, he acknowledged their presence, “Your dedication, even you up there on the balconies, your dedication to us is apparent, and we thank you.” He urged attendees to spread the message, “Tell your friends about this place, tell them about your dedication and then tell them about us.”
Yoho, a former Merchant Marine, also honored the 250,000 U.S. Merchant Marines who faced heavy losses while transporting troops and supplies. He pointed to the Murmansk Run, a perilous Arctic convoy route, as a symbol of their shared sacrifice.
With 84 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor, Yoho described the nation’s effort during the war: “We were a country of 130 million, and we put 16,200,000 of them in uniform, and 440,000 of them didn’t come home.” He reminded listeners of the personal connections each star on memorials represents, acknowledging the families left behind.
Yoho highlighted the Merchant Marines’ high casualty rate, stating, “We lost 733 ships and had the highest mortality rate of any group that served in that war.” Despite this, he credited faith, “God is great and God is good, and he kept this old sucker alive.” Looking ahead, he expressed gratitude for the chance to share the legacy of those who served alongside him.