Wayne County WWII veteran receives Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — 80 years after the end of World War II, our nation's heroes are receiving a long overdue honor. At the nation's capital in Washington, D.C., several United States Army Rangers are being honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.
"The rangers came from every corner of American life. They were welders, waiters, factory workers, and musicians. They were ordinary men called to extraordinary valor," said House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Among those who served is Sergeant Joseph Drake of Hawley. The tribute to Drake and fellow Army Rangers is for their role in some of the war's fiercest battles.
Sergeant Drake joined the war in Europe in 1944 at just 20 years old. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate a concentration camp.
"It feels so good to get the honor, but I feel so bad that there's not many rangers here to accept, I'm just one of the lucky ones that got 100 years," said Sgt. Joseph Drake, Congressional Gold Medal Recipient and Wayne County native.
Sergeant Drake's family, including his son John, made the trip from Hawley to be part of the ceremony. Emancipation Hall erupting in applause and a standing ovation for these heroes.
"I couldn't believe it really, I didn't expect all of this going on. I thought I'd come and get the medal and that would be it," said Sgt. Drake.
"To get awarded for something, and especially for serving as a U.S. Army Ranger, it was phenomenal, very emotional," said John Drake, Son of Sgt. Drake.
Out of 7,000 Army Rangers who served in World War II, his father is just one of five remaining.
"Dad is such a special person in our hearts. He's a giver, he's a guardian. He always looked out for everyone. It doesn't even have to be family. He's always looking out for others, and we see why and see the connection to the rangers," said John Drake.
The Gold Congressional Medal is the oldest and highest civilian award in the nation, alongside the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"To be able to sit here and celebrate alongside with these incredible heroes certainly puts a lot of our service into perspective and why we do what we do each and every single day," said Congressman Rob Bresnahan, (R) PA-08.
"In their courage, all Americans found something to be proud of and the free world found reason to hope," said Speaker Johnson.