TO CONGRATULATE GEORGE W. WALDROP, SR., WORLD WAR II VETERAN OF LANCASTER COUNTY, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HIM A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are delighted to learn that George W. Waldrop, Sr., will celebrate his centennial birthday on July 26, 2022; and

Whereas, born on July 26, 1922, in the first quarter of the twentieth century, he has witnessed the many remarkable social changes, technological advancements, and international developments that have spanned the globe from that time into the first quarter of the twenty-first century; and

Whereas, on February 13, 1943, Mr. Waldrop married his beloved wife, Harriett Louise Sistare, and they were married for seventy-three years before she passed away on October 6, 2016. Together they reared two fine children, George W. Waldrop, Jr., and Harriett Waldrop Strom, who have blessed him with the affection of four loving grandchildren; and

Whereas, born in Greenville, Mr. Waldrop was inducted into the United States Army on June 15, 1943, at Fort Jackson where he trained as a combat infantryman, just four months after his wedding and one month before his twenty-first birthday; and

Whereas, in the proud tradition of the sons of South Carolina, he served his country with distinction during World War II in the European Theatre and saw combat in the Ardennes, the Rhineland, and Central Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge; and

Whereas, for his meritorious service, Mr. Waldrop was awarded the World War II Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the EAME Theater Ribbon, and three Bronze Service Stars; and

Whereas, he authored a book recounting his experiences during World War II, entitled What "Poppy" Did in the War or as I Remember It; and

Whereas, he is the oldest member and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 31 in Lancaster and possibly the oldest member of the South Carolina State American Legion; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to honor this son of South Carolina at the celebration of his one hundredth birthday and join with his family and friends in congratulating him on reaching this extraordinary milestone. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate George W. Waldrop, Sr., World War II veteran of Lancaster County, on the occasion of his one hundredth birthday and wish him a joyous birthday celebration.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to George W. Waldrop, Sr.