Manatee County names Oct. 3 after local World War II veteran

By Lesley Dwyer
| 5:00 a.m. September 28, 2023

John Skeen, a 103-year-old World War II veteran of the Army's 70th Infantry Division and a bronze star medalist, was honored with a ride at the 2022 Tribute to Heroes Parade.

East County
News

Oct. 3, 2023 was declared “John Skeen Day” in Manatee County.

The day commemorates the East County resident's 105th birthday and his service to the country as a veteran of the World War II.

“We don’t have men like Sgt. Skeen anymore who will run into combat and run into fire to protect what they believe and stand for,” Commissioner Mike Rahn said when presenting the proclamation at the Sept. 26 commission meeting.

Skeen wanted his men honored, too.

“I saw such bravery and courage down on the squad and platoon levels, which never came to recognition,” he said. “My heart aches when I think of all the applause I get, and they get none.”

author

Lesley Dwyer

Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.