Six Nations’ oldest living veteran is the first person to be awarded the USS Arizona Medal of Freedom.
Welby (Ike) Isaacs was awarded the new medal on June 23 in Hamilton to honour his service on the USS Arizona.
Isaacs joined the armed forces in 1959. The USS Arizona Medal of Freedom was introduced this year. The medal were constructed using steel that was salvaged from the ship, which sank in 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The medals are being given and sold by the Lauren F. Bruner USS Arizona Memorial Foundation to recognize those who make a difference and to help preserve history.
Isaacs was awarded the medal in appreciation of his military service and to honour the six Canadian crew members that served aboard the USS Arizona.
Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council commended Isaacs for his military service and congratulated him on being awarded the USS Arizona Medal of Freedom.
“Six Nations has a rich history of brave men and women serving in the military, and we continue to honour and remember the sacrifices of all those who serve, past and present,” SNGR said in a statement.
