World War II Veterans Celebrated Across North America

World War II veterans and other wartime veterans were honored in ceremonies and milestone celebrations across the United States and Canada. In Connecticut, about 25 veterans from six communities received the state’s Veterans Wartime Service Medal in recognition of their service and sacrifice. In British Columbia, the Royal Canadian Legion honored the late George Williams, a Far East prisoner of war who later became a respected Kimberley community member. Texas veteran Joe Escamilla Sr. celebrated his 100th birthday with family, who also added his name to Vidor’s Veterans Memorial Wall. Iowa veteran Vernon “Hook” Christensen marked his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and members of his community, reflecting on his wartime service and long career as a mechanic and stock-car racer. The celebrations underscore the dwindling number of surviving World War II veterans, most of whom are now at least 100 years old.