Mendota veterans salute World War II survivor of Franklin Grove turning 100

When Mendota veterans processed Sunday during the Sweet Corn Festival parade, they made a surprise detour. They delivered a big salute to a visiting veteran about to turn 100.

Willard Simpson of Franklin Grove was in Mendota to enjoy the festival and to visit with family friend Deanna Falchook, a Mendota resident who was in on the big surprise. Members of the Mendota Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4079 marched to the Falchook home to salute Simpson and then extend handshakes and congratulations on his upcoming 100th birthday on Sept. 3.

“The VFW came to my porch because Willard sits on the porch every year,” Falchook said. “It moved him to tears because it was a surprise to him.

“Willard would love to meet other 100-year-olds, especially if they have military experience, and just sit down and have dinner or breakfast with them for his birthday. That’s one of his only dreams.”

Finding a fellow veteran to help Simpson blow out 100 candles could take some doing. According to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, which maintains veterans data, there are 4,307 veterans of World War II still living in Illinois.

Simpson joined the Army in December 1943, a few months before the D-Day landing, and served as a corporal with the 103rd Regiment B, 28th Division. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge with Gen. George S. Patton and stayed in the Army until his discharge Feb. 28, 1946.

The Sunday surprise was Falchook’s idea, but Bill Hunt, past commander of the Mendota VFW Post, was all for it.

“This is a great moment for this man, and we decided to honor him,” said Hunt, who had personally never known a World War II veteran to reach 100.