McKee man and WWII veteran thrown a parade for his 100th birthday

KENTUCKY ( FOX 56 ) — It’s been a century in the making. Edsel Welch has turned 100 and, fittingly, McKee held a parade to celebrate his life and legacy.

“It’s awesome that he remembered that from two years ago, that he remembered our dad and our dad and remembered that he was counting down the days that I was going to have him. So this has been more than we can ever imagine. And we thank everybody that come and we thank everybody that participated in any way, and we’re in awe,” said Cathy Lakes, daughter of Welch.

Several gathered on Main Street to show appreciation for Welch, who is credited as being the oldest living WWII veteran in Kentucky.

“We’re celebrating Mr. Edsel Welch. Not only is he our oldest World War II veteran, today was his birthday 100 years old today. So back in 98, I guess when he was 98 years old a couple of years ago, I presented him with a citation because he was grand marshal of our parade. And he asked me one thing to represent it. ‘When I turn 100, I want another parade,'” Rep. Timmy Truett recalled.

Two years later, the community showed up to give Welch exactly what he wanted. Generations young and old gathered to honor and celebrate Welch for his service to the U.S.

Among those gathered were his daughters, who said they couldn’t be any more grateful for the outpouring of love they have received from the community.

“It’s really indescribable to see such an outpouring of love and admiration, not only community, but all of the outpouring of love and support from the military DAV. We really, really appreciate it. And my dad will talk about this for weeks and months to come,” said Sandra Snowden, another daughter of Welch.

With flags flying high and cheers echoing through the town, there’s no doubt that Welch is greatly loved throughout the community.

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“It’s unbelievable when you get a community out together to celebrate something like this. You know, being in politics is rough sometimes, but the best part of it is by having certain contacts or you can contact people and get people involved and doing things locally for our people here in the community, especially heroes,” Truett added. “We’re talking about a man that served in World War Two. Only a few of those people live, and to have one here in our community and for the community to come out and celebrate, it’s just remarkable.”

To wish Welch a happy birthday, his daughters said cards can be mailed to him to brighten his day at 280 Macedonia Rd., McKee, KY, 40447.

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