Honoring the Fading Echos of Manatee County’s Remaining WWII Veterans 

As we observe Veterans Day on November 11, 2025, in Manatee County, it’s a time for us to reflect on the sacrifices of all who served our nation. Yet, this year, our thoughts turn especially to the dwindling ranks of World War II veterans, the “Greatest Generation” whose stories of heroism are fading as time claims more of them each day. Nationwide, approximately 18 million veterans live among us, but only about 45,418 from WWII remain.  Florida is home to over 1.4 million veterans, roughly 3,800 WWII survivors are still with us.  Locally, Manatee County boasts around 39,000 veterans,  but the number of remaining WWII veterans here has shrunk to just a handful.

This loss hit close to home, last week with the passing of John Skeen, a beloved Manatee County WWII veteran who died on October 21, 2025, at age 107.  Skeen served as a platoon sergeant in the U.S. Army, liberating towns in France during the Allied advance. Skeen was wounded while fighting Nazi’s in the Battle of the Bulge. His bravery earned him numerous awards including a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star for valor, and earlier this year, on Victory in Europe Day, he was awarded France’s highest honor, the Knight of the Legion of Honor.  Skeen’s vivid recollections of battlefield hardships and triumphs embodied the spirit of service.

These men were living treasures, exemplars of courage and resilience that Manatee County is losing all too regularly. As the remaining WWII veterans in our community dwindle, now estimated at fewer than 10, we must cherish those still here. 

  Take Palmetto resident Coach Eddie Shannon, a 103-year-old Navy veteran who attended this years Bradenton Kiwanis Veterans Day event. Shannon served during WWII and went on to inspire generations as a legendary educator and coach at Lincoln Memorial, Palmetto and Manatee High Schools.  His enduring legacy reminds us to seek out these heroes, listen to their stories, and express our gratitude before it’s too late.

On this Veterans Day, let’s commit to honoring the Greatest Generation not just in memory, but through active appreciation. Visit a veteran, attend a ceremony, or simply say thank you- their sacrifices built the world we enjoy today. 

Veterans Day Events in Manatee County

To celebrate and honor our veterans, here are some key events happening in and around Manatee County leading up to and on Veterans Day 2025: 

•  Annual Tribute to Heroes Parade & Block Party: November 9, 2 – 5 p.m. (parade at 4 p.m.) on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. A free community event with patriotic entertainment, floats, food, drinks, and activities to honor veterans and service members.

•  Manatee County Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade: November 11, memorial service at 11 a.m., parade at 11:30 a.m., starting at Manatee County Fairgrounds and ending at Sutton Park in Palmetto. Co-hosted by the Manatee County Veterans’ Council and City of Palmetto, inviting veteran organizations, JROTC, schools, and bands.

•  Old Soldiers and Sailors Parade: November 11, 11 a.m. along Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island, concluding at City Pier Park. An annual parade hosted by the City of Anna Maria.

•  Parrish Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony: November 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Parrish Community Park (7550 Fort Hamer Road, Parrish). The first annual event by the Parrish Civic Association, featuring family activities and a public ceremony.

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