What Is the Greatest Generation?

What Is the Greatest Generation?

Let me tell you directly: The Greatest Generation is the term for Americans who grew up during the Great Depression and either fought in World War II or worked hard at home to help win it.

I believe it was first coined by Tom Brokaw, the former NBC Nightly News anchor, in his book titled 'The Greatest Generation.'

You might also hear them called the G.I. Generation or the WWII Generation.

Key Takeaways

Here's what you need to know: This generation covers Americans born from the 1900s to the mid-1920s. They endured the Great Depression, and many served in World War II. They're often seen as driven, patriotic team players. They parented the Baby Boomers, and roughly 100,000 of them are still alive in the U.S.

Understanding the Greatest Generation

There aren't exact birth dates for this group, but think early 1900s to mid-1920s. What defines them is surviving the Great Depression's hardships and then either fighting in World War II or supporting the war effort through industry.

Tom Brokaw gets credit for making the term popular in his book, which profiled people who came of age during the war. He was inspired by the 40th anniversary of D-Day. His focus was on the soldiers and the workers who supplied them with materials and services.

How Many Remain?

If we take 1924 as the cutoff, the youngest are turning 100 in 2024. There were about 101,000 centenarians in the U.S. that year. For WWII veterans specifically, only around 66,000 were left by early 2025.

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimated in 2023 that we're losing about 130 of these veterans daily. Based on Washington Post research, with healthcare advances, the last one might live to 2046 at age 120.

Fast Fact

Some notable members include President John F. Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II, Jesse Owens, Alan Turing, Judy Garland, Josephine Baker, Pope John Paul II, and Malcolm X.

Characteristics of the Greatest Generation

Every person is different, but researchers point to common traits in this generation. They're typically patriotic, driven, with a strong work ethic. They live modestly, save prudently, and show commitment and loyalty.

These qualities likely come from experiencing World War I if born early, the Great Depression as kids, and then World War II as adults.

The Greatest Generation and Other Demographics

They're generally the parents of Baby Boomers and children of the Lost Generation from World War I era. They came before the Silent Generation, born mid-1920s to early 1940s. Their grandchildren are often Generation X, and great-grandchildren are Millennials or Gen Z.

Now, they're retirees collecting Social Security. Studies on generational differences help plan for future government spending and programs.

Why Are They Called the Greatest Generation?

Tom Brokaw popularized it in his book as a tribute to their resilience and patriotism through the Depression and World War II.

How Many Americans Remain From the Greatest Generation?

Using 1925 as the end, the youngest hit 100 in 2025. Estimates put about 101,000 centenarians in the U.S. in 2024.

The Bottom Line

To wrap this up, the Greatest Generation means Americans born 1900-1925, many of whom fought in World War II. Some grew up during WWI, all faced the Depression, and they parented the Boomers. They're known for patriotism, hard work, family commitment, and frugality. The term comes from Brokaw's 1998 book.