End Of An Era: Last World War II Vets To Leave Congress
The next Congress will be the first in 70 years without a veteran of World War II serving in it. The class of greatest generation vets had a profound effect on the institution, beginning in 1944 when the first veteran of the conflict was elected to the House. The House Class of 1946 alone produced two future presidents -- John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon (above) -- and a future House Speaker in Carl Albert.
Below are two Senate giants who overcame severe war injuries on the road to Congress: Daniel Inouye of Hawaii (shown here arriving in Washington in 1959) and Bob Dole (shown here recuperating in 1945 at Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, Mich.)
Don Gonyea will have more on the departure of the last World War II vets from Congress on All Things Considered today. You'll be glad you listened.









