Jean Gordon
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 1:51 pm
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Forest City Kiwanis Club celebrated the 100th birthday of their member and friend, Gil Mays, last Thursday, January 28.
He was presented with a flag that flew over the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. All of this was recorded in the Congressional Record.
"Mr. Mays has valiantly carried on the storied tradition of courage, service and faithfulness that characterizes our Armed Forces," said Congressman Hon. Gregory F. Murphy, M.D., in making the presentation to the US House of Representatives.
Murphy also said Mays drove himself to the elections polls in November to carry out his civic duty.
Mays also received a cake with a picture of the USS Yorktown on it. This war hero from the "Greatest Generation" served aboard the USS Yorktown in WWII.
The birthday celebration took place at the First Presbyterian Church in Forest City. Due to Covid restrictions, his many friends and relatives participated in a drive-by party, complete with the Forest City Police Department and Forest City Fire & Rescue leading the parade.
The Kiwanis Club also presented Mays with a certificate of 43 years of perfect attendance.
Mays told WLOS-TV news his secret of longevity was to surround yourself with people who care. He said no one ever does anything alone, but there are always those to encourage one and other.
"I have always been blessed to have good friends . . . my good fortune", he said.