- May 18, 2025
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Platoon Sergeant John Skeen is honored at the Elks Lodge in Lakewood Ranch May 8 on Victory in Europe Day.
Photo by Lesley DwyerDeacon John Schaefer leads the opening prayer.
Photo by Lesley DwyerEdward Baldez, Veterans and Military liason for Congressman Vern Buchanan, presents Platoon Sergeant John Skeen with a letter from the congressman.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe Presentation of Colors kicks off the award ceremony.
Photo by Lesley DwyerMajor General James "Hammer" Hartsell tells a story about escorting Platoon Sergeant John Skeen to the Stanley Cup playoffs last year. He said Skeen and his grandchildren were only 100 years apart in age, but the kids were enthralled and enamored by the veteran.
Photo by Lesley DwyerOver 100 people are in attendance to see Platoon Sergeant John Skeen receive the Knight of Legion Honor.
Photo by Lesley DwyerFrance's Consul General Raphael Trapp thanks Platoon Sergeant John Skeen for his service and presents him with the Knight of Legion Honor Award.
Photo by Lesley DwyerManatee County Deputy County Administrator Bryan Parnell and County Administrator Charlie Bishop are both veterans. Parnell served in the Navy, and Bishop served in the Air Force.
Photo by Lesley DwyerMajor General James "Hammer" Hartsell and Heather Hackett chat after the award ceremony.
Photo by Lesley DwyerRay Carter attends the event that his brother Captain Thomas Carter organized for Victory in Europe Day.
Photo by Lesley DwyerCaptain Thomas Carter and Brigadier General Nicolas Chabut are part of the ceremony May 8 at the Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge.
Photo by Lesley DwyerPlatoon Sgt. John Skeen has received a countless honors, including a Purple Heart, for his service in World War II, yet Skeen said he never expected to be knighted in the Order of the Legion of Honor.
The distinction is the highest honor France awards to military personnel and civilians. United States veterans, who fought on French territory during the Second World War, can also be inducted to the legion.
At 106 years old, Skeen is living history.
“This young man fought in the Pacific (War),” Major Gen. James Hartsell said. “He didn’t get enough, so they sent him to Europe, and he fought in Germany and France, so thank you.”
One by one, dignitaries continued to thank Skeen for his service at the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge on May 8.
Retired Army Capt. Thomas Carter organized the event for Victory in Europe day, which celebrates the day that German forces unconditionally surrendered during the Second World War and liberated Europe 80 years ago.
“Your attitude and courage during World War II battles contributed to the restoration of peace in Europe,” France's Consul Gen. Raphael Trapp told Skeen. “You set an example that we all must keep in mind because you fought for the values that define our two nations — liberty and democracy.”
