New Jersey World War II Veteran To Be Honored At New York Yankees Game

Editor's note: Due to projected bad weather on Sunday, June 12, PFC Chan's recognition ceremony at Yankee Stadium has been rescheduled to July 17, a family representative told Patch.

FREEHOLD, NJ — A local World War II veteran and lifelong New York Yankees fan will witness an unforgettable game Sunday, as he is recognized for his service at Yankee Stadium.

Private First Class Edward Chan, who served as an Army Medic in World War II, has followed the Bronx ball club since he was a boy.

“I became a Yankees fan as a kid when I would listen to the games on the radio with my brothers in Mount Vernon, NY," Chan told Patch. "We would cheer for the great legends of the day - Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio."

Chan, 97, now lives in Freehold. He will be honored in the middle of the 7th inning on Sunday as the Yankees host the Chicago Cubs. The players and fans will remove their caps while the announcer reads Chan's name, rank, branch of service, and what war he served in. Chan will stand at home plate while "God Bless America" plays.

The game begins at 1:35 p.m.

More about PFC Chan: Honored World War II Veteran From NJ Finds Rewards In Being Optimistic

The New York Yankees, Islanders, Mets, and the Brooklyn Nets participate in the Combat Wounded Veterans of America's Veteran of the Game program, as does the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

"I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to be recognized at Yankee Stadium for my service to our country as an Army Medic in World War II," Chan said. "It is especially meaningful to have my family here with me at the game."

Chan and two of his brothers served in the U.S. Army during World War II. As a medic, Chan sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Algeria, then followed the Army into southern France and Germany.

"I am grateful for the Yankees organization for their commitment to honor Veterans and for the assistance by the Combat Wounded Veterans of America and the Veteran of the Game LLC," Chan told Patch. "This program brings a lot of joy to the Veterans and their families.”

Chan came home and became a teacher after studying at New York University and Columbia Teachers College. He taught for 33 years in Pennsylvania and on Long Island and was an active member of his church community, both on Long Island and in New Jersey.

Chan and his wife, Ellen, had five daughters. Ellen died in February 2018; they were married for 64 years.