Bradenton's George Frabotta of the West Coast Florida Riders motorcycle group waited patiently in line to shake hands with 105-year-old World War II veteran John Skeen Thursday in the Lowe's parking lot at Creekwood Crossing.
It was part of "The Littlest Flag" reenactment, which told the story of Skeen's 70th Infantry Division liberating Forbach, France. The event came two days after "John Skeen Day" Oct. 3 in Manatee County as designated by county commissioners.
"It brings me to tears," Frabotta said about being able to speak with Skeen about his World War II experiences. "Just to know what he went through, … it is an honor to know somebody with that kind of history."
Members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association of St. Petersburg and Sarasota rolled into town to honor Skeen and watch the ceremony because they wanted to visit with somebody who saw fighting in France and Germany firsthand.
Skeen just shook his head as people lined up to meet him.
"I didn't expect anything like this," he said.
John Skeen, a 105-year-old World War II veteran, is honored during "The Littlest Flag" reenactment Thursday in front of Lowe's in Creekwood Crossing. The event told the story of Skeen's 70th Infantry Division liberating Forbach, France.
Photo by Jay Heater
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association of Sarasota and St. Petersburg rolled into Bradenton to honor 105-year-old World War II veteran John Skeen during "The Littlest Flag" event.
Photo by Jay Heater
Event organizer Rich Koch, 105-year-old World War II veteran John Skeen and Koch's daughter, Heather Crawford, share a moment before the ceremony.
Photo by Jay Heater
Anne Lancelle, an Honorary Consul representing France, thanks American servicemen for their sacrifices during World War II.
Photo by Jay Heater
Bradenton's George Frabotta visits with 105-year-old World War II veteran John Skeen before the ceremony.
Photo by Jay Heater
Canines for Heroes founder Mark LaFlamme bought 12-year-old service dog Allie to the ceremony. To learn more about the organization, go to CaninesForHeroes.org.
Photo by Jay Heater
Retired Army Capt. Tom Carter was the master of ceremonies at "The Littlest Flag" reenactment in the Lowe's parking lot in Creekwood Crossing.
Photo by Jay Heater
Canines for Heroes founder Mark LaFlamme addresses the crowd at "The Littlest Flag" reenactment Oct. 5.
Photo by Jay Heater
East County's John Skeen and Bob Pence pet the service dog Allie of the Canines for Heroes nonprofit.
Photo by Jay Heater
East County's John Skeen and Bob Pence sing the National Anthem during a World War II flag raising reenactment Oct. 5 in the Lowe's parking lot in Creekwood Crossing.
Photo by Jay Heater
Retired Lt. Col. John Schaefer was a guest speaker during "The Littlest Flag" reenactment.
Photo by Jay Heater
"The Littlest Flag" reenactment of a World War II liberation of the town of Forbach, France is held in the Lowe's parking lot Oct. 5 in East County.
Photo by Jay Heater
A tiny flag was raised in the Lowe's parking lot in Creekwood Crossing Thursday as part of "The Littlest Flag" reenactment.
Jay Heater is the managing editor of the East County Observer. Overall, he has been in the business more than 41 years, 26 spent at the Contra Costa Times in the San Francisco Bay area as a sportswriter covering college football and basketball, boxing and horse racing.
