Turning 100 is itself a special occasion, and a Mount Airy man’s reaching of that milestone became even more monumental through a new city government program.
Not only did everyone assembled in the Municipal Building last Thursday night sing “Happy Birthday” to William Pendleton, he also was serenaded with “The Marines’ Hymn.”
It was rendered by members of the local Marine Corps League in recognition of Pendleton’s service with that military branch during World War II.
“Mr. Pendleton has lived during the most-eventful century in this country’s history,” Mayor Jon Cawley said, reading from a city proclamation honoring the city resident on becoming 100 years old.
William Pendleton is the first person to be recognized in this way through a program launched around the first of the year to spotlight residents of the municipality who are 100 or older.
Cawley has said he was motivated by a need to do more to “pay attention to our elders,” an age group sometimes overlooked in American society compared to other cultures.
A day to remember
And William Pendleton was certainly the focus of attention during last Thursday night’s meeting of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners — which occurred on his July 18 birth date.
He was born in Mount Airy in 1924 to Morris and Susie Pendleton.
Thursday also was declared “William Pendleton Day” in Mount Airy. And it will be “forever” recognized as such, the mayor told him.
In addition to hearing the proclamation and being sung to, cupcakes were served to help mark the event to which the honoree was accompanied by several family members.
“Mr. Pendleton has always had a genuine love for his family, including his late wife Rebecca and their three children, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild,” the proclamation read aloud by the mayor states.
After graduating from Mount Airy High School, Pendleton entered the Marine Corps and spent 2.5 years in Panama.
“I wasn’t in combat,” Pendleton advised those gathered Thursday night, saying he had no choice about this.
“You go where they tell you,” he explained. “I was a truck driver.”
In civilian life, Pendleton was employed as an engineer with the N.C. Department of Transportation for more than 40 years.
That was referred to by Pendleton when Mayor Cawley asked him the usual question of to what does he attribute his long life.
“For forty years I worked outside,” the centerarian replied, which Cawley summarized as “clean living.”
The city proclamation further notes that Pendleton attends Trinity Episcopal Church and “has demonstrated in countless ways his dedication to the welfare of others and has earned the respect and affection of people from all walks of life and all ages.”
Pendleton enjoys reading and watching John Wayne movies on television.
Mount Airy officials have a standing invitation for anyone else wanting family members or friends who are community members to be celebrated for reaching the age of 100.
More details are available at 336-648-8361.
Most Popular
Comments / 0