MADISON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — On June 5, four World War II veterans from Madison County, each over 100 years old, were honored with a birthday celebration at the county’s senior activity center.

They were just teenagers when they served; only 16, 17 and 18 years old. Many of them weren’t drafted but volunteered. Now, eight decades later, they’re being celebrated not just for their service, but for their lives.

The event was filled with patriotic decorations, birthday balloons and a room packed with friends, family and fellow veterans.

“It was wonderful,” said organizer Jannie Layne. “This place was packed.”

The honorees included 100-year-old Marine Corps veteran Loy Watson, 102-year-old Denton Grubbs, 100-year-old William Bowling and 100-year-old W.J. Combs.

"You know, a lot of t

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