Tazewell County only has 17 World War II Veterans left; the youngest is 95 years old and the most senior is 106 years old. Pekin is home to eight members of these members of the "Greatest Generation.”

But for how much longer?

The Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Office, the Tazewell County Veterans Assistance Commission, and Morton High School will be hosting a FREE forum on Memorial Day, May 27th, at 3pm in the Bertha Frank Theater at Morton High School to have these gentlemen share their stories with us, and for the public to have the opportunity to show their appreciation and gratitude to these remaining representatives of the "Greatest Generation." The forum will be FREE and open to the public.

Our office started to create this list of remaining World War II Veterans late last year, at which point we had 23 World War II Veterans" stated Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds John C. Ackerman. "Now we have only 17 left. How much longer till their voices go silent forever here within Tazewell County? While we still have time, as a community let us gather to hear and learn from their stories, and let us show them while we can just how much we appreciate their dedication in service to our nation."

The students of Morton Community High School will film the event and make the recording available to the public. Any groups wishing to acknowledge the World War II Veterans or participate in this FREE public forum are encouraged to call the Tazewell County Clerk's Office at (309) 477-2264, ext #2, and ask for the John. Any citizens with questions about the event are also encouraged to contact the Tazewell County Clerk's Office.