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Richard D. Ackley Jr.
Special to the Forest Republican

U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called Dec. 7, 1941, “a date which will live in Infamy” and addressed Congress to declare war as the day the second world war became a reality for the United States. The sudden and deliberate attack by Japanese forces against the American military stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was deadly, killing thousands. Some Americans who still remember the events of that infamous day 67 years ago, which changed their lives forever, gathered this past Sunday in Crandon at the community center.

Little did these young men know that those tragic events, which unfolded during radio broadcasts throughout that long-since-gone December day, would soon take each of them far, far away from home. These few remaining World War II veterans from the Forest County area, now well into their 80s and older, are part of what has been called by many as “America’s Greatest Generation.” This group of veterans, represent a time in American history when serving in the Armed Forces was overwhelmingly considered the right thing to do. The future of the American way of life was at stake. In order to stop the rapid spread of the Axis Powers of Germany, Italy and Japan, these young men answered the call to serve. Leaving behind the comforts of home and loved-ones they spread out across the globe in defense of the Allied Powers of America, Europe and Russia and not knowing if they would ever return.

Korean War veteran Ron Eveland, organizer and MC of the event from Crandon said, “We’re so glad to have our World War II veterans here, from America’s greatest generation, as well as the families and friends to especially honor and thank them today for what they did for us all. Our veterans who have passed on or who cannot be with us will also be remembered today as well.”

He mentioned that some veterans in the group waited 50 years or more to receive their well deserved medals. He then asked these honored veterans to please assemble one more time for a historic group photo.

More than 20 area volunteers helped arrange, set-up, cook and serve a buffet style luncheon and sold raffle tickets with proceeds going to support the new veteran’s memorial located on the north side Hwy. 8 east of downtown. Background music and songs from the 1940s era was provided by Roger Geldon. A special table was set up to display memorabilia from World War II which included military items and photos along with many old 1940s newspapers about the war, from around the state.

Anyone wishing to make donations to the special veteran’s memorial project in honor of a friend or relative or simply express thoughts of gratitude are welcome to stop by the Northwoods Veteran’s Center and museum in downtown Crandon.

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