The Brief
- Before his passing, World War II veteran Edwin Gideons reflected on his life and service to our country with FOX 13’s Mark Wilson.
- When the news of the Pearl Harbor attack came, Edwin didn’t wait to be drafted. He saw an opportunity to not only serve his country but help out at home.
- Just before he passed away, family and friends came from far and wide to celebrate his 100th birthday.
LAKELAND, Fla. – World War II veteran Edwin Gideons grew up as the youngest of 11 in his family. Times were tough in the 1930s in rural Florida, so he was helping out at home as best he could long before he joined the service.
As a teen, he found opportunity in the majestic oak trees sprawled across Lacoochee, Florida.
“We would pick the moss, because it was in high demand,” he said with a grin.
“The other teenagers were picking it, so I thought, why not? I’ll join ’em,” he told FOX 13. …