CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The oldest veteran in Montgomery County, 103-year-old Sergeant William Shorter, was honored Monday, October 5 with a very special historical part of the nation. Shorter was presented with an original 48-star American flag.
Shorter, who is known as Sarge by all of his friends at Uffelman Estates, received the flag from Sykes Funeral Home & Crematory. Shorter said he was proud to be able to wear his old Army jacket for the presentation even though he laughed when he admitted it did fit a little tight.
Three years ago Clarksvillenow.com featured a story on Shorter who at the time celebrated his 100th birthday at the Pinnacle Family Entertainment Center where he was still bowling. These days he gets around in a wheelchair but as he met with those at the ceremony you could see and feel his spirit.
Shorter served close to 30 years in the Army until his retirement from Fort Campbell in 1964 and he talked about the recognition and the honor of receiving the flag. “Oh Gee, that about got it, oh gee! Well, it’s nice, once in a lifetime. It’s real nice and I appreciate it”, said Shorter.
The 48-star flag was part of America from 1912 when New Mexico and Arizona became states until 1959 when Hawaii and Alaska were added. The flag came to Sykes as a donation for its “Retire Your Flag With Honor” program.
From there, Frank Mir, Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization Director and Michael Flood, with the Screaming Eagle Honor Flight program became involved and began their search for the oldest veteran in Montgomery County which eventually led them to Shorter.