For many of us, World War II can feel like a moment in history, albeit a major one. But for other people, it was a moment in their lives. Some people who were directly involved in this War are still alive today, like Meta Monteleon, who is the oldest living American World War II nurse. She recently turned 108, and to mark this significant milestone for someone who helped the war effort in a significant way, she was thrown a birthday party to remember.
Meta is respected and loved by everyone who knows her at The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center.
The nurses who take care of her have so many good things to say about her. Nicole Dent, one of these nurses tells WCNC:
“She’s just a joy to take care of. She brightens my day every time I see her.”
Tina Montford, another nurse, chimes in:
“Pearl earrings and pearl necklaces, and that fits her personality. If you think about Monteleon you definitely think of a jewel”
And she was indeed dressed up to sparkle for her party.
Meta partied in style for her 108th birthday! While she normally does wear pearls every day, for this birthday party she also added a crown that shone and stood out. No better way to celebrate a birthday than to get all gussied up and look fabulous!
Her service as a nurse was certainly intense.
She worked as a nurse for the Army for three years during World War II. For two of those years, she was in Pearl Harbor, tending to German prisoners of war.
That experience has certainly given her plenty of stories. It also must have taught her a lot about life, and certainly everyone who knows her can agree that she has a lot of wisdom.
The celebration made her day. It also made her family members happy to see the recognition she deserves.
Martha Duke is Meta’s daughter. She has seen her mother accomplish some pretty incredible things in life, and that has not stopped with old age. Since being at the Dublin VA, Martha has enjoyed watching her mom be recognized for all she’s done. Martha says:
“She tries things and does things that other people don’t necessarily do at that age, and other people like knowing that.”
The list of amazing things she has done recently include giving speeches at other celebrations, and doing chair yoga. Martha credits her mother with teaching her resilience and always having the ability to laugh.
Meta has good life advice for just about everybody, and she isn’t shy to share it.
At age 108, it’s pretty guaranteed that you may have learned a good thing or two about what matters in life. For Meta Monteleon, who has lived through a fascinating period of American history, she embraces all that comes to her. Her advice for a long, happy life?
“Learn to labor and to wait. And those are words that have followed me throughout my whole entire time here at the VA, and those are certainly words to live by. Learn to labor and to wait.”
That is certainly good advice for anybody, at any age! Thank you Meta Monteleon for your service and the beautiful attitude you bring to life. It’s lovely to see people who really deserve it be celebrated for their lives.
Watch the video below to see more of Meta’s birthday party!
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