Safety Harbor Rotary Honors WWII Veteran

Rotary Clubs are known for helping individuals, businesses and organizations in the community.

But last week, the Rotary Club of Safety Harbor decided to honor one of it’s own. 

The chapter bestowed an American flag to "snowbird" member Don Morrison in recognition of his service to his country in World War II. 

“I discovered inadvertently that Don was a World War II vet and a member of General Patton’s Army,” former chapter president Wayne Mineo said by phone. 

“We don’t have too many of these guys left, so I thought it would be great for our club as well as a local Boy Scout troop to honor him.”

Mineo obtained a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. and presented it to Morrison during a ceremony last Friday during the weekly Rotary meeting. 

Mineo said the 90-year-old was surprised and shocked to receive such a special tribute.

“These guys keep their accomplishments close to the vest. They don’t go around bragging about what they did. They just did it.”

“But when the world was being overcome by a tyrant, men in their teens were giving the ultimate sacrifice for their country. That uncommon valor needs to be honored.” 

As amazing as Morrison’s service, which included crossing the Rhine River into Germany as part of Patton’s Army, was, his current condition was what really surprised Mineo, the Scouts and the other Rotarians.

“I was shocked when I learned he was 90-years-old. I thought he was at least 20 years younger,” he said. “He has the handshake of a man in his thirties.”

“Even more incredible, he still fits into his uniform.”

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