In a rare and moving celebration, Charlie Duncan, one of Georgia’s oldest living World War II veterans, marked his 106th birthday on Monday — surrounded by military tributes, family memories, and the admiration of an entire community.
Duncan’s milestone was commemorated at Rally Point Grille in Woodstock, a patriotic-themed venue dedicated to honoring U.S. servicemembers. There, Duncan was not only toasted by friends and family but also honored by Cobb County officials, who presented him with a formal proclamation recognizing his legacy.
“To live 106 years is rare,” one family member said. “To have lived them with this much purpose is extraordinary.”
Born in 1919 — A Life Through American History
Charlie Duncan was born on May 27, 1919, in a nation still recovering from World War I. He came of age during the Great Depression and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II — part of the generation often referred to as “The Greatest.”
He was 25 years old when he was drafted and sent to France, where he joined a combat engineering unit tasked with building Bailey bridges and pontoon crossings under fire, enabling the advance of General Patton’s forces into Nazi-occupied Europe.
“He didn’t talk much about the war,” his daughter recalled. “But we know how critical those missions were — and how dangerous.”
Duncan’s service also included time in Belgium and Germany, helping Allied troops push across some of the most treacherous terrain of the European theater.
Building America at Home After the War
After returning from military service, Duncan built a long and steady career in Georgia’s millwork industry, eventually working his way up to plant superintendent. He retired after 37 years, known as much for his quiet leadership as his dedication to getting the job done.
But retirement didn’t slow him down.
In his late 60s, Duncan discovered square dancing, and for nearly four decades, he and his second wife became regulars at community dance halls across the state. He also became a fixture at his local YMCA, participating in water aerobics classes well into his 100s.
In a 2023 feature by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Duncan was quoted saying:
“I try to keep moving. I don’t like to sit still.”
His health secret? Staying active, staying kind — and never turning down a slice of cake.
A Celebration Fit for a Hero
On Monday, Duncan arrived at Rally Point Grille dressed in a U.S. Army Veteran cap and wearing his medals. He was greeted by saluting veterans, local officials, and a standing ovation from the gathered crowd.
A color guard procession, a birthday proclamation from the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, and a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America” set the tone for the day.
Georgia’s State Defense Force and representatives from the American Legion also paid tribute, calling Duncan a “living symbol of American grit and grace.”
His family, seated nearby, watched as their patriarch was publicly honored for a life marked by humility and service.
“He’s not just our father or grandfather,” one family member said. “He’s a piece of living history.”
Family, Faith, and Love
Charlie Duncan was married twice — and both marriages were long and loving. Between the two unions, he shared 83 years of married life, raising a family that now includes children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Faith and kindness remain central to his outlook. Friends describe him as “quiet, wise, and endlessly encouraging.” His community credits him with mentoring others, both in the workplace and among fellow veterans.
Remembering a Diminishing Generation
Duncan’s birthday celebration comes at a time when the number of surviving WWII veterans is rapidly declining. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, fewer than 120,000 WWII veterans remain — out of the more than 16 million Americans who served in the war.
“Mr. Duncan represents the last of a generation that built the modern world,” said one attendee. “We owe them more than ceremonies. We owe them remembrance.”
A Message to the Next Generation
When asked what advice he’d give to young Americans today, Duncan didn’t hesitate:
“Be grateful. Do good for others. And never forget the people who made your freedom possible.”
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Sources
- FOX 5 Atlanta: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/georgia-wwii-veteran-charlie-duncan-celebrates-106th-birthday-honors-memories
- FOX 29: https://www.fox29.com/news/georgia-wwii-veteran-celebrated-birthday
- AJC Feature (2023): https://www.ajc.com/inspire/wwii-veteran-104-keeps-up-with-the-youngsters-at-senior-water-aerobics/QE5TGMVBWRC77PANMGEWWAIQBQ
