Legendary comic creator Stan Lee was present at Rhode Island Comic Con on November 11-13, 2016, and on Veteran’s Day he received military honors from around the country at the convention in a small presentation. A 15-minute video of that presentation can be seen below.
On Veterans Day members of the U.S. Army and Navy, chapters of the American Legion, the Marine Corps League, and Texas State Guard surprised Lee and Joe Sinnott with the military honors. The presentation was made during his VIP panel on Friday night by Army Captain James R. Whitney, Navy Chief Petty Officer Kurt Anderson, their respective staffs and several former US Servicemembers.
Lee entered the U.S. Army in 1942, serving in the Signal Corps to repair telegraph poles and various other communications equipment before being transferred to the Training Film Division. He returned from service in 1945.
“Next to my marriage and the birth of my daughter. This is the most sensational moment in my life. I will never forget this.” Lee said. “It is such an honor which I’m sure I don’t deserve.”
An American flag was flown in his honor on Veterans Day, “for his faithful service to our Nation as a United States Soldier during World War II.”
Sinnott was given awards at a dinner with his family, friends, and fans, later that evening. His flag was presented to him with the title of “SEABEE For Life” to the sailor.
Sinnott joined the U.S. Navy Seabees when he was 18 after his older brother Sgt. Jack Sinnott died. He served in the World War II Battle of Okinawa, earning the rank of Machinist Mate 3rd Class.
He was applauded and given a standing ovation at the restaurant. “I’m speechless, I really am. This is just unbelievable. One of the greatest honors I’ve ever had. Thank You,” Sinnott said.
Both men were given flags, certificates, challenge coins, plaques and “swagger sticks” of appreciation. “They got me mixed up with someone else,” Lee said. “But I can’t thank you enough and I will never forget this moment… We have the greatest military in the whole world.”
