U.S. Rep. Scott hosts WWII veterans for recognition ceremony Saturday

Hundreds of Lowcountry World War II veterans are expected to attend a recognition ceremony this weekend in what may be the last large-scale gathering here of its kind.

U.S. Rep. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is sponsoring the event in North Charleston on Saturday morning.

More than 275 veterans, plus family members, are expected to attend in a remembrance that comes decades after serving in Europe, the Pacific and elsewhere around the globe. Most of the attendees are in their 80s.

Scott press spokesman Sean Smith said the office had been work on the event for some time and that there was nothing historically significant about the date other than it worked for everyone’s schedule.

The veterans are part of a fast-disappearing breed. U.S. Census figures estimate there are fewer than 39,000 World War II-era vets in South Carolina.

National projections are that the fighting men and women from that period are dying out at a rate of around 1,000 a day, and that within 10 years practically all will be gone.

The event will open at 8 a.m. at the North Charleston Convention Center, with the ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. Each veteran or family will receive a certificate of recognition and pin, Scott’s office said.

As part of event there will be an exhibit including World War era jeeps, artillery and uniforms, along with other artifacts.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey will give the welcome. Other attendees include Medal of Honor recipient James E. Livingston, and Pat Waters, the grandson of Gen. George Patton, who will deliver the keynote speech.

For more information and questions on attending, contact Scott’s Charleston office at 843-852-2222.