Representatives from Rochelle’s VFW Post 3878 helped make their fellow member Bernard Parsley’s birthday celebration even brighter Sunday with the presentation of his 70-year membership pin and patch.

The occasion drew family and friends to the Bethany Rehabilitation Center in DeKalb for Parsley’s 100th birthday party, which is a celebration in itself. The long-time Rochelle VFW member and World War II veteran was all smiles as VFW Post Commander Bill Bumgarner along with members Guy Bays and Stanley Wendell presented him with the highest level acknowledgement from the organization.
“It’s just a great feeling to do this for one of our veterans,” Bays said. “Bernard had a great big smile on his face, he was really appreciative of it.”

The trio from VFW Post 3878 also presented Parsley with a U.S. flag and a birthday card signed by members and friends of the VFW, followed with a salute to which Parsley proudly saluted in return.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars organization presents their members with a pin for every five years of continuous membership. A patch is also presented, but only after the 25-year mark.
Parsley has been a member of the VFW since 1946, eligible last year for this highest honor within the organization. During the birthday party, Parsley shared stories of his Army and Air Corp service in World War II as a radio operator.