Tampa Bay WWII veterans celebrate big birthdays
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O'Neil Ducharme has seen a lot in his 99 years. He enlisted in the military at 17, survived the deadliest battle of World War II, fought in two other wars and ran an ice cream plant while in the reserves.
But the best of all those days didn't come until 2016, when he was flown to Washington D.C. to tour war monuments with other veterans. The trip, put on by Honor Flight, ended in a surprise welcome home reception at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
- "Coming home that night was the very best day of my life," the Palm Harbor resident told Axios. "My shirt was wet with tears."
Why it matters: The "greatest generation" may be dwindling, but WWII veterans like O'Neil are thriving in Tampa Bay. And they still want to give back to the community.
By the numbers: The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 11,000 WWII veterans live in the Sunshine State, down from an estimate of 15,000 last year.
Yes, but: O'Neil, who celebrated his 99th birthday earlier this month, is not the only WWII veteran in town. Vern Cummings, in Largo, celebrates his 98th birthday in two weeks. Bill King, also in Largo, celebrates his 97th birthday this weekend.
They've all taken Honor Flight trips and now welcome back their fellow veterans from subsequent flights.
Between the lines: After being welcomed home from war — if they were welcomed home — men like O'Neil, Cummings and King spent decades without recognition for their service.
- "They went back to their daily life, they got jobs, they had families, they contributed to society without asking for recognition," King's daughter, Anne Scofield, told Axios.
For King, Honor Flight is about giving Vietnam veterans the warm welcome home they never had.
- "I tell them, 'Welcome home, you did a job well done.' I had one man break down when I told him that. He had been treated so badly on his return to the United States."
What's ahead: O'Neil, Cummings and King will be back at PIE in April for the airport's 49th Honor Flight.
- "I'm looking forward to turning 100, 101, 102, 103," O'Neil said. "As long as my health is there I shall stay in Honor Flight."