Celebrating a century

Community throws parade for 100-year-old WWII veteran

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When you turn 100-years-old, the biggest difficult, says Henry Burgess, is telling stories.

“No one else was around when you were. They don’t know what you’re talking about,” he says, with a grin. He added, “When I was a kid we played all over this county. I can tell you some stories.”

The World War II veteran celebrated crossing the century mark last week with a parade at the William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette. There he was surrounded by soldiers, sailors and airmen who have served in every war since he returned to Alabama from the Pacific Theater.

Burgess, known as Diddy to his nearest and dearest, was born in Mobile in 1921. He served in the United States Army Air Forces as an airplane and engine mechanic sergeant.

During World War II, Burgess served in the China Offensive in central Burma and India from 1942 - 1946. There he earned the American Service Medal, God Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with three Bronze Stars.

After his time in the military, Burgess came home to work on railroads, including the Gulf Mobile and Northern Railroads. He was married to Mary Rachel Brettel for 70 years and has four children, eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

On Friday he was surrounded by many of those generations as he was presented with a handmade Quilt of Valor. The family waved to motorcyclists, police vehicles and fire trucks as each passed to wish Burgess a happy birthday. The Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs said the Patriot Guard Riders and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hosted the parade.

Once the parade had passed Burgess was granted another military accolade. He was named honorary commander of American Legion Post 99 in Foley.

Current Commander, Don Madden, gently placed an American Legion cap on his head and saluted.

Madden said honoring and caring for veterans is one the American Legion’s top priorities.

“Today we all showed that that is our number one priority,” Madden said.