Columbus VA honors centenarian veterans with special celebration

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus VA hosted its first-ever Centenarian Recognition Ceremony for veterans who are 100 years or older on Friday morning.

Reaching the age of 100-years-old is a milestone that many people hope to reach one day. The ceremony celebrated the veterans’ military career while also celebrating their birthdays.

Watch: Ceremony for veterans who have reached 100

“It’s our opportunity to thank them for their service to our country, for the enormous contributions they’ve made to preserving our freedoms,” said Dr. Marc Cooperman, the Columbus VA's medical center director.

Many of the 100-year-olds present were World War II veterans. People from the VA gave them certificates thanking them for their dedication to our country.

Of the centenarians, many come to the VA for doctors visits and check ups, but it was special for them to be recognized for all that they've accomplished over the last century.

“It’s great to see so many of them here and to see so many of them in really good shape," Cooperman said.

World War II veteran William Rogers told stories about his time in the war overseas and shared how he survived everything he encountered.

“Well I made it out and didn’t get hurt," Rogers said. "I never got a scratch. I was just plain lucky, that’s all.

This was the first Centenarian Recognition Ceremony but Columbus VA leaders said they plan to continue the event for years to come.