FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — On Veterans Day, a double celebration took place at the Arkansas Air and Military Museum. People came together to celebrate Veterans Day in a nostalgic way while honoring two inspiring individuals.
"I was very honored to be asked to be here," said Harold B. Chilton.
Chilton enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942 at the height of World War II. Not only did people honor his service tonight at the Veterans Day swing dance event, but he has another celebration underway.
"Tomorrow is Sunday, isn’t it? Well, I'll be 101. I never imagined that I would come to this point. I never did," Chilton added.
Members of the Marine Corps both young and old came together to celebrate. Many were honored to witness a Marine tradition.
“As the youngest Marine in the RSS, I came and showed up to be the youngest person to cut the cake. And he's been the oldest, just to pass down the knowledge and the honor. And just to show the civilians what it's like, just a little piece of our Marine Corps ball," said Landon Marshall, an 18-year-old recruit.
Other sacred traditions were on display such as the rose that represents missed loved ones, the lemon slice representing the bitterness of their fate, and a pinch of salt that represents uncertainty.
All in all, visitors came to swing dance to pay tribute to a popular hobby that helped those pass the time during the war.
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