They’re called “The Greatest Generation.” But now the people who saved the world from fascism during World War II are dying off at the alarming rate of more than 600 per day. One young photographer hopes to preserve their legacy in a very visual way. Reporter David Haldane explains…
Before too long, they’ll all be gone. That was the realization that spurred 31-year-old Long Beach photographer Zach Coco to action. His goal: a self-published book containing portraits and short biographies of 100 surviving veterans of World War II.
He first started thinking about it, Coco says, during visits with his late grandfather, Anthony, a former Navy fireman aboard the USS Rushmore. Anthony Coco died three years ago at 91, leading Zach to an uncomfortable realization; that 95 percent of his potential subjects have already passed away and the rest are dying off fast.
Coco’s already done lots of portraits, some as close as Palm Springs. But the Morongo Basin, with its large contingent of veterans, is one place he thinks he’ll find more.
So, if you’re a World War II vet, or know someone who is, please email Coco at [email protected]. He urges you not to wait too long.
