City to honor World War II veterans Dec. 7

"This is a very unprecedented event, not only for the city of Cedar Park but for most communities," Powell said during City Council's Dec. 4 meeting. "I really strongly encourage as many families as possible in Cedar Park to bring your children to this event."

According to a city statement, Cedar Park residents who served in World War II include Bill Dean, who served in the Army from 1943–45, and Francis McArdle, who joined the Navy at age 17. McArdle was aboard the U.S.S. Quincy when the heavy cruiser brought President Franklin Roosevelt to the 1945 Yalta Conference in Malta. Local veterans also include four women.

"I can remember seeing the news story when the final World War I veteran passed," Powell said. "Sometime during our generation, we'll have a similar sad news story about our final World War II veteran."

City leaders said Oct. 29 they hope the World War II ceremony could become an annual event.