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MONTROSE, N.Y. - A World War II veteran who joined the United States Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor was recognized Wednesday night for his years of fighting for the rights of his fellow comrades and teaching youngsters about the country's military past.
The Hendrick Hudson Board of Education presented Buchanan resident Russell Harrison with the "Extra Mile" Award, which recognizes an individual who has exhibited extraordinary service to the district.
"Thank you for your service, and thank you for being an example to our students," said board President Marion Walsh, who noted that her father served in the military for many years.
Harrison, 89, was deployed to Hawaii to work on the Pearl Harbor recovery efforts and served in the Navy through 1954. "We felt we got even with them for Pearl Harbor," he said.
As chairman of the Buchanan Veterans Committee and co-chairman of the Cortlandt Veterans Committee, Harrison has spoken often to students at Buchanan-Verplanck and Frank G. Lindsey elementary schools. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the State Veterans' Hall of Fame by state Senator Greg Ball (R/Patterson).
"He has taken time to share his stories of World War II with our students," said board Trustee Charles Thompson. "It is hard to remember a Memorial Day or Veterans Day without his humor or great stories. Russ has been an important part of the Hendrick Hudson School District."
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