WILTON — Henry Palmer Brimigion, 87, wondered why so many family members were attending services at the Wilton United Methodist Church on Sunday morning.

Immediately after the last hymn was sung, the Rev. Laura Church called him up to the front, offered him a seat and had his long overdue World War II medals pinned on him. They came 69 years after he was discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1945.

“Nothing could have surprised me more,” Brimigion said. “I had no idea about this. I couldn’t imagine why the whole clan was here.”

Making the presentation were Joanie Masterman, veterans benefit volunteer, and state Sen. Thomas Saviello, R-Wilton.

He was in the Philippines at its liberation, and served on ships that visited the United States, Scotland, Venezuela, Newfoundland, New Zealand and France.

When he was honorably discharged in late 1945, he did not receive his medals.

“He said one day that he had never received his medals,” said Masterman, who volunteers to procure them.

On Sunday, Brimigion received medals signifying his participation in the Philippine Liberation, the European, African and Asiatic/Pacific campaigns and World War II victory.

Brimigion’s son, Skip, said he was pleased that his father received the recognition.

“This was really very nice,” he said.

Brimigion is originally from Stratton, but has lived many decades in Wilton, and has been married to Arlene Seamon Brimigion for several decades.

Masterman said she wants to help other veterans receive their medals, awards and benefits and may be reached at 585-2271.