By Tracy McCormick-Dishman
Two men born in 1926, who came of age in World War II and later made their homes in St. Johns County, reached a milestone this year that few veterans of their generation live to see: their 100th birthdays.
On May 5, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners honored William “Bill” West and George Ceccanese with certificates of recognition at the start of its regular meeting. The morning began with a ceremonial St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office escort, organized by retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bill Dudley of the St. Johns County Veterans Council, and a reception in the County Administration Building rotunda that included local high school cadets.
Commissioner Clay Murphy presented the certificates on behalf of the board. Both veterans received them alongside their families and others who have served or are serving in the U.S. military.
From New Jersey to the Philippines
West was born in Beverly, New Jersey, and enlisted in the Army at 18. He served in the Pacific Theater with the 780th Amphibious Tank Battalion, including operations in Manila Bay under enemy fire, and later as a military police officer at Camp John Hay in the Philippines, where his duties included road patrols, guarding prisoners and interrogations.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second-highest award for valor, along with the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. His sons later served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
The board’s certificate recognizes West for “his distinguished and heroic service during World War II,” noting that he “demonstrated exceptional valor under fire and endured the harshest condition of the Pacific theater with quiet dignity.”
A cadet, a career and a ‘Good Samaritan’
Ceccanese was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He joined the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in 1944 and was discharged in 1945, then served 14 years in the Navy Reserve as a commissioned officer. His brothers also served in World War II.
After the war, he studied at Purdue University, built a career with General Electric, earned an MBA from Xavier University and later taught economics in China. He retired to St. Augustine in 1988 and went on to serve as executive director and president of Habitat for Humanity in St. Johns County, where he oversaw the construction of 24 homes. He has received the Catholic Charities Good Samaritan award.
The board’s certificate honors Ceccanese “for his 100 years of remarkable contribution and his enduring spirit as a true ‘Good Samaritan.’”
Few people reach 100. Fewer still get there after serving their country in World War II. For residents who want to say thank you this Nov. 11, local Veterans Day events are listed below.
Honoring veterans close to home:
Free DD-214 recording and veteran services: Throughout November, the St. Johns County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office offers free passport photos, notary services and recording of military discharge papers (DD-214s) for veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and their dependents. Services are available by appointment at the Julington Creek Annex, 725 Flora Branch Blvd. Schedule at stjohnsclerk.com/recording or call 904-819-3600.
Swings for Service Charity Golf Tournament: Thursday, Nov. 5, St. Johns Golf & Country Club, 205 St. Johns Golf Drive. Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at noon. The fourth annual tournament benefits Women Veterans Ignited and Crew Served Inc. Sponsorships and foursomes are available at swingsforservice.com.
St. Johns County Veterans Day Celebration: Wednesday, Nov. 11, Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A S., St. Augustine. Doors and displays from local nonprofit and military groups open at 9 a.m., with the ceremony at 11 a.m. Hosted by the Veterans Council of St. Johns County and the Military Officers Association of America, Ancient City Chapter. Free admission and parking. 904-829-0381.
Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11:01 a.m., downtown Jacksonville. The 1.32-mile route begins on Water Street in front of the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and ends at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The city calls it the largest observance of its kind in Florida, with more than 2,500 participants. Visit events.jacksonville.gov.
The Veterans Roll Up Bowlathon: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Batt Family Fun Center, 1838 Cassat Ave., Jacksonville. Hosted by the Coats Legacy Foundation, which works to prevent veteran suicide, the event includes bowling, laser tag, arcade games, music and resource tables. Free for veterans and service members with a reservation; $11 for family and friends. Register on Eventbrite.
Free admission in St. Augustine: On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty, retired and honorably discharged military receive free admission to the Castillo de San Marcos with ID, as well as to Old Town Trolley Tours, the Old Jail, the Oldest Store Museum and Potter’s Wax Museum.
