GIBSON STATION, Va. — Descendants of John and Mary Green met at the Lee County, Virginia home of Bob and Carol Green for their annual family reunion on Oct. 11.

A long held tradition with the family, this year’s reunion featured a special service honoring the three surviving family members who are veterans of World War II — brothers Johnnie Greene and Charlie Greene, and their nephew Otis Rainey.

Johnnie Greene, age 84, was just 17 years old when he enlisted as a volunteer in the United States Navy, served aboard the LST 339 for two years in WW II.

Charlie Greene, age 85, served with the 91st Infantry Division in the European Theatre during World War II. He is also a Korean War veteran.

Rainey, age 82, served in the Army in World War II, and retired from the U.S. Air Force having also served in Korea and Vietnam.

The recognition ceremony, which was a surprise for the three WW II veterans, was organized by Col. Jerry D. Duncan, son of Frank and Ethel (Green) Duncan and grandson of John and Mary.

Col. Duncan, who recently returned from a tour of duty in South Korea, presented each veteran with an American flag that had been flown over the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in Korea. The flag was folded and framed.

Along with the flag , each of the three veterans were also presented a framed certificate of authenticity, signed by U.S. Army Col. Kurt L., Taylor. The certificate states “United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission Secretariat Certificate of Authenticity presented to (Charlie Greene, Johnnie Greene and Otis Rainey) verifies that the U.S. Flag was flown over the Demilitarized Zone of Korea. It is with great appreciation that we present this certificate to you for your outstanding service to the USACE-FED and ROK.”

Each veteran was also presented a certificate of recognition for their service from the Kentucky House of Representatives by State Representative Rick Nelson.

During World War II, John and Mary Green had two sons (Johnnie and Charlie), three sons-in-law (the late Estel Beason, Frank Duncan, and Hershey Burdine), and two grandsons, Otis Rainey and the late Jim Rainey, serving in various branches of the U.S. military in the European, African and Pacific Theatres. Jim Rainey was killed during a battle with the Japanese forces in World War II.

“We often take for granted the freedoms Uncle Johnnie, Uncle Charlie and Otis fought for … The hardships they faced and the sacrifices they made. We owe them — and all World War II veterans — our thanks.” said Col. Duncan. “I don’t know that I ever thanked my father (the late Frank Duncan) for his service, and its to late now. But before you leave here today I want each of you to thank these three men for their service and the freedoms you now enjoy because of it.”