Florence Green, the oldest living World War I veteran died this past weekend, at the age of 110. Florence joined the British army when she was 17 years old.
She is survived by her daughters May (90) and June (76), and son Bob (86), as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Like other female veterans of her era, Green did not see combat but worked as an Officer's Steward at her base in England, and worked "every hour God sent" at her job but loved life on the base.
Her admirers and others in the military want to acknowledge her work -- the kind of military work that is usually less valued and recognized. Green flew under the radar for years, although her work was much appreciated by those she knew.
Veterans are often thought of as combat soldiers, marines, pilots and other front line personnel, but veterans come in all forms, from clerks to stewards to janitors.
All military staff are as crucial to well-run and efficient armed forces. Without them, the military could not function.
Green had said she loved her time on the base, admiring the pilots and even dating one or two. She also enjoyed a 50 year marriage to her husband Walter, but was a widow since 1970. She was a very popular woman in her town in Norfolk, England.
She was entered into nursing care for only a few months, having lived with her daughter before that. May was her full time caregiver. This is obviously a family that enjoys great health and longevity.
Florence finally achieved widespread recognition when a archivist for an American research group was tracking down all living people over the age of 110, and British men and women still living over the age of 107.
He was further shocked to find her name listed as a member of the Women's Royal Air Force, having joined in 1918. Word quickly spread.
Her funeral will be attended by family and friends as well as representatives from the Royal Air Force. She would have celebrated her 111th birthday next week.
Thank you, Florence Green, for your service and for being a pioneer of women's service in the military.
SOURCE:
The Telegraph." Last surviving veteran of First World War dies aged 110". Web. February 8th 2012.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9066371/Last-surviving-veteran-of...
Edited by Jessica Obert