Surprise celebration for World War II veteran’s 103rd birthday
FOLEY, Ala. (WKRG) — As soon as Henry Burgess arrived at American Legion Post 99 in Foley, he had to know this wasn’t the normal bingo and lunch trip. How often do you get a personal salute from members of the Patriot Guard?
Inside the post, all the trappings of a birthday celebration 103 years in the making.
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“It’s great and hard to believe,” said Burgess. “I appreciate everyone and every person who had anything to do with this.”
A lifetime ago, he was an aircraft mechanic during World War II serving from 1941 to 1945.
“I wanted to do something for my country,” he said. “I couldn’t sit back and let everybody else go and I not go.”
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Now the country and Quilts of Valor honoring that service.
“We award you this Quilt of Valor as an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation,” Linda Tipp said. “Thank you Mr. Henry for your service.”
His life since his time overseas has been just as fulfilling.
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“I think back when I first got out of service they didn’t do things like this,” he said.
103 years old and even Burgess said it’s hard to believe.
It’s been a life of service and a life well lived, he calls it “remarkable,” so far.
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