(Evansville, IN) — When Irving Levine blew out the candles on his 104th birthday cake Tuesday, he had no idea Evansville’s mayor was about to make the celebration official.
The former Army Air Corps sergeant, believed to be Indiana’s oldest living World War II veteran, was surrounded by three generations of family and friends at his birthday party when Mayor Stephanie Terry walked in with a proclamation declaring Feb. 4 as “Sergeant Irving Levine Day” in the southern Indiana city.
“He was completely shocked,” said Levine’s granddaughter, Rachel Morrison. “We all were. It was such a beautiful moment.”
Levine, who has called Evansville home for more than six decades, served his country during World War II as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps, the predecessor to today’s Air Force. While details of his specific service remain private at his family’s request, his military records confirm his contributions to the war effort during one of America’s most pivotal periods.
The centenarian has become something of a local legend in Evansville, regularly attending veterans’ events and speaking to schoolchildren about the importance of service and sacrifice. Despite his advanced age, friends say Levine remains sharp and engaged with his community.
“Irving is an inspiration to everyone who knows him,” Terry said in a statement. “His service to our nation and his decades of contributions to Evansville deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”
The birthday celebration drew dozens of well-wishers, including fellow veterans, neighbors and community leaders. Levine’s family said they were grateful for the outpouring of support for their patriarch.
As America’s World War II veteran population continues to dwindle — with fewer than 100,000 surviving members of the Greatest Generation remaining nationwide — milestones like Levine’s 104th birthday take on added significance.
