An impressive collection of heroes gathered Wednesday at King’s Restaurant.
Twenty-six World War II veterans — from every branch of the service — took part in a luncheon at the restaurant that was organized and sponsored by veteran’s advocates Clarence Thigpen, Herman and Bonnie McLawhorn, Guy Basden, Eric Cantu and others.
Some of the heroes were pushed to the banquet room in wheelchairs while others used walkers to slowly come into the room. After they finished their meals, the 26 men of the “Greatest Generation” introduced themselves to their fellow veterans and family members and then shared some of their memories of World War II.
Their stories were as powerful as they were memorable.
J.L. Wilson is believed to be the last remaining Pearl Harbor survivor in Lenoir County. He recalled the Japanese attacks on the Hawaiian naval base.
Harold Hardison, a former state legislator who lost his brother in the war, talked about meeting Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
Clifton R. Hood, who served in the Army during the war, wore his 70-year-old uniform to the luncheon.
Guy Skinner, 95, was an infantryman during the war — and he said that’s what encouraged him to later become a pilot. He’s roundly recognized as the state’s oldest pilot still flying today.
“One night while we were freezing on the ground, I saw a plane fly overhead and I realized that when its pilot finished his mission, he’d be getting a hot meal and a warm place to sleep,” Skinner said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be a pilot.”
Skinner also shared a story about shaking hands with Winston Churchill and getting this compliment from the legendary British leader: “Boy, that’s a good handshake!”
Charles Smith, 90, served four years in several theaters of the war in the Navy.
“We got shot at quite a few times but made it out of it,” he said.
In one of the most somber moments of the luncheon, Earnest Noble, 93, shared the sadness of recovering bodies of fallen soldiers.
Stan Pearson quietly summed up what many of his fellow WWII veterans felt with his final words to the group.
“I’m just thankful to be back and I’m very proud of my country,” he said.
Those who helped organize the luncheon didn’t hesitate to share their pride for the WWII veterans, either.
“I am just in awe to be amongst all you heroes,” Bonnie McLawhorn, the chaplain of the local VFW, said to the veterans before saying grace for the meal.
Cantu, the local VFW commander and Vietnam War veteran, said the WWII veterans inspired his generation.
“You gave us determination and the pride to love our country,” Cantu said. “After getting to know many of you, I can now understand the importance and the meaning of the ‘Greatest Generation.’ ”
Bryan C. Hanks can be reached at 252-559-1074 or at Bryan.Hanks@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BCHanks.