Whether you’re a fan of social gatherings and surprises or not, there’s no denying that birthdays are always fun to celebrate.
Turning a year older comes with many priceless gifts: experience, wisdom, courage for the years ahead, and more.
It also reminds you of just how loved you are, and that’s always something to look forward to. After all, there is nothing like the assurance the love of family and friends brings. The ones that genuinely care about you are often the most excited, eagerly coming up with ways to make your day extra special.
Take it from the family and friends of this World War II veteran.
John Drake Sr. is a local veteran who just turned 104 years old.
Yep, you read that right – 104! How awesome is that? What’s interesting, too, is that longevity seems to run in the family. According to Drake, his mother lived to be 103 years old. Because of this incredible milestone, people couldn’t resist asking him what the secret to a long life was, to which he answered,
“My secret is just doing the best I can, and loving and caring for everybody, and making sure that I live the life I preach about. I ain’t gon’ say nothing that I can’t cover.”
This was the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that Drake’s family was able to get together again.
It was quite a sight, with the Harvest Volunteer Fire Department leading the honk-and-wave parade for the veteran.
Drake’s family excitedly took part in the parade, honking and waving as they drove past.
When asked about the milestone being celebrated, Drake’s youngest son, Robert, insists there is no other explanation for his father’s long life than God. And because it was also the perfect opportunity to recall just how impactful Drake’s presence is in the lives of those who love him, the beautiful memories started surfacing.
Another veteran in the family, Drake’s 88-year-old nephew, Eddie Johnson, declared that he developed a strong work ethic because of his uncle. The proud nephew told WAAY-TV,
“He always said, ‘Always give 100% for your pay.’ And it has stuck with me, and it paid off.”
Now that’s advice worth taking!
Unabashed by all the praise, Drake also expressed gratitude for his old age, saying,
“I got to be an old man. Don’t too many reach my age and know it and can say it when they reach it.”
As someone who believes the most important thing is always to try and do the best you can, the wise veteran practiced what he preached to the people who are blessed enough to have him in their lives. And that’s precisely what makes him so admirable – he leads by example.
It is his strong values and overall positive attitude that makes him an inspiration to many.
Here’s to more beautiful days ahead for you, Drake!
Watch the video to hear more about the birthday celebrant and his fruitful 104 years of life.
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