Community Corner

Video: Oldest Massachusetts Veteran Honored

Irene Davey, 104, is recognized at a ceremony at her South Attleboro home.

The weather was rainy and miserable Wednesday morning, but it was all sunshine and happiness below a tent behind the home of South Attleboro resident Irene Davey. The National Guard as well as local, state, national and veterans officials recognized the 104-year-old woman for her service.

Davey, who is the oldest veteran in Massachusetts, received an honorary promotion to sergeant major in the U.S. Army. She also collected several gifts at the event organized by state Rep. George Ross, including a key to the city from Mayor Kevin Dumas.

"In all my lifetime, the only thing I wanted to do was make my family proud of me," Davey said. "Today ... I think I've made it."

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Davey joined the U.S. Army in March 1943 on the same day as her husband Harold. She served in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps at Fort Devens until 1945.

Go  to read more about Davey's story.

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