On November 8, World War II veteran Irving Locker celebrated his 100th birthday, marking a century of resilience, service, and dedication to sharing his story. Irving, a decorated member of the 116th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion of the 1st Army’s 7th Corps, has spent over 77 years recounting his wartime experiences, from storming the beaches of Normandy to helping liberate a concentration camp, ensuring future generations understand the cost of freedom.

On June 6, 1944, Irving was among the 156,000 soldiers who stormed Normandy, landing on Utah Beach. He was only 19. Six months later, he found himself in the Ardennes Forest during the winter of 1944-1945, in what would become known as the Battle of the Bulge. “When we went into the Battle of the Bulge, they had us surrounded on three sides. We didn’t have ammunition, food, or anything,” Irving recalls. “I had to send my own sergeant into our own mortuaries where our own dead people were and take the boots and clothing off of them to bring back.”

After reaching Berlin, Irving took a swastika flag from a wall and had some of his men sign it. It’s one of many mementos he keeps as reminders of his wartime experiences. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “Too many people have no idea what we experienced. It’s important to me that this story is told after I’m gone, so people don’t forget.”

Irving built a life after the war with his wife, Bernice, to whom he has been married for 76 years. They’ve shared joy and heartbreak, having outlived both their sons. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve always been there for each other,” says Bernice. “When we lost our sons, I don’t think either of us would have survived if we didn’t have each other to lean on.”

Today, Irving is as active as ever and continues to lecture about his experiences in classrooms, on YouTube, and even at the White House. “People have to know their freedom isn’t free,” he says. He’s committed to this mission, reaching out to audiences of all ages. “The kids today know nothing,” he chuckles, yet he’s determined to keep them informed and engaged.

Irving attributes his longevity to staying active. “You gotta stay active, gotta keep moving, don’t sit,” he advises. “Muscles go to sleep long before you do.” Even at Trinity Springs, a senior community in The Villages, he keeps up with regular workouts, outings with friends, and gatherings at the Orange Blossom Opry. “Living to 100 proves that I’m doing something right.”

As Irving celebrates his November 8 birthday, his family will gather to honor his incredible life and legacy. He remains devoted to preserving history, never taking a fee for sharing his story and hoping that his experiences serve as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.

Photos shared from Facebook