Pearl Harbor survivor, WWII veterans honored
December 10, 2009 -
Thursday, December 10, 2009
LEBANON — A group of World War II veterans were honored with commemorative eagle canes Sunday morning as part of the American Legion Post 214′s Peal Harbor Day ceremonies.
Post Commander Steve White said Sunday was the first time the two-and-a-half-year-old post honored veterans with commemorative canes.
“The canes haven’t been given out a lot, but we think it’s a great way of honoring the veterans,” White said.
The Eagle Cane Project started in the Midwest, but has since expanded across the county. About 400 have been given out in Maine. Charles and Bob Perry, of the Maine Wood Carvers Association, carved the canes given out Sunday.
“The project was originally intended for wounded veterans, but it has expanded to honor veterans nationwide,” Charles Perry said.
Guest Speaker Harold Sheffield, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Raiders, was also surprised with an eagle cane.
Sheffield said the raiders were the first special forces branch the Marine Corps formed. It did so in February 1942 when America’s position in the war with Japan was looking dismal. He said the unit’s purpose was to make quick attacks against the Japanese.
The post will host additional ceremonies in the future and always is looking for ways to honor its veterans.
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