A World War II veteran is celebrating a big milestone Monday surrounded by friends, family and other veterans.

Anderson

Hank March, a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946, is celebrating his 102nd birthday in Anderson, Ohio. The celebration, organized by staff at his residence and a group of Kentucky veterans, brought together family and friends from out of town to honor his milestone.

March, who lost his wife of 62 years last year, shared reflections on his life, emphasizing the importance of kindness, faith, and family. He credited his longevity to his parents, who both lived into their nineties, and expressed gratitude for the memories he has made. March's only birthday wish was for chocolate cupcakes, and the event was decorated with patriotic themes to recognize his service.

Ohio World War II veteran celebrates 102nd birthday

local World War Two veteran is celebrating a major milestone today, turning 102 years old. We're gonna check in with W. C. P. O. Nine anchor Lauren Minor live in Anderson this morning. Lauren, what a big celebration happening out there today. Yeah, a huge celebration and we're actually standing outside where it's gonna happen. The action at Anderson and private first class. That's who we're talking about. Hank March in this morning. He is the one being celebrated. It's gonna be happening later on this afternoon, but I actually got the chance to speak with him yesterday and he got to tell me a little bit about his past. Go ahead and check this out. Hank served in the U. S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He was just 19 years old when he answered the call to serve during World War Two. He also had a brother who served in the Navy. Hank was married to his lovely wife, Carol and for 62 years she passed away last November. And now Hank is a resident at the Ashton at Anderson, where staff members teamed up with a group of Kentucky veterans for that celebration that's happening later on this afternoon. Family from out of town even made a special trip while sitting down with Hank yesterday. I asked him if he could go back and tell his younger self one thing. What would that be? This was his answer. Being good with people. Everybody you meet, be friendly with them. And being kind of what you would say, a loving person. You go out and meet people and above all, believe in God, believe in God and the God that you were taught. And it's that kind of outlook that kept Hank smiling through more than a century of life. He says he's grateful every day for his faith, his family and the memories made along the way. Hank told me that he never thought he would make it to 102 and he believes his parents are responsible for that. His parents actually lived to be in their nineties, which is absolutely incredible. This guy, he is a character and I could have probably sat there all day long to talk to him. But you know what? The only thing he said he really wanted today here for his party is chocolate cupcakes, guys. So I said they're probably gonna make that happy happen for him. So yeah, just a great guy. And he's really looking forward to that celebration later on today. Unfortunately, the bangles going to deliver. I know he had his bangles shirt on, too. All right, but you know, yeah, eat some chocolate cupcakes and like celebrate 102 unreal. I was looking to on their facebook page. A lot of patriotic decorations. So it's gonna be a big celebration. Happy birthday, Hank. And thank you for, you know, your service. Yeah. And Lauren, thanks so much for bringing us that story. We appreciate it.

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