St. Johns County to Honor Two 100-Year-Old U.S. Military Veterans at Special Ceremony

• 4 May 2026
• Category: SJC News Events
• Tags: 2026

Centenarian World War II veterans Bill West and George Ceccanese to be recognized with ceremonial escort and Board of County Commissioners presentation

Key Takeaways:

• St. Johns County veterans honored: Two 100-year-old World War II veterans, Bill West and George Ceccanese, will be recognized during a special ceremony and BCC meeting on May 5, 2026.
• Public ceremony in St. Augustine: The event begins at 8 a.m. at the St. Johns County Administration Building, featuring a ceremonial escort, Rotunda reception, and participation from local high school cadets.
• Distinguished military service recognized: Honors include acknowledgment of Bill West’s Distinguished Service Cross and George Ceccanese’s service in both the Army Air Corps and Navy Reserve.

St. Johns County will host a special reception ceremony honoring two 100-year-old U.S. military veterans, Bill West and George Ceccanese, before the May 5 Board of County Commissioners (BCC) regular meeting.

• When: Tuesday, May 5, 8 a.m. (Public encouraged to arrive by 7:45 a.m.)
• Where: St. Johns County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine
• What: The event will include a ceremonial St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office escort organized by retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bill Dudley, a reception in the Administration Rotunda, and participation from local high school cadets. Official certificates recognizing both veterans will be presented at the beginning of the BCC meeting.

George Ceccanese, born in 1926 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, served as an Aviation Cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II before continuing his service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves. A lifelong professional with General Electric, he later earned an MBA from Xavier University and remained active in community service, including leadership with Habitat for Humanity in St. Johns County.

Bill West, born in 1926 in Beverly, New Jersey, enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. His service included time with the 780th Amphibious Tank Battalion and as a Military Police officer at Camp John Hay in the Philippines. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second-highest honor, along with multiple campaign and service medals recognizing his bravery and dedication.