Charleston, South Carolina – This past Tuesday, we celebrated and honored our veterans while also wishing a happy birthday to one man who honorably served in World War II.
“I keep moving; you’ll never find me in bed at sunrise, not one day of the week,” declared Bishop Johnie James Johnson.
Bishop Johnson, who recently turned 102 years old, is sure to know the key to longevity.
“It was hard labor. They often advise me to sit down, but I say if I sit down, I might never get up again, so I’m going to remain up as long as I can,” Bishop Johnson said.
We met Bishop Johnson during a ceremony commemorating our veterans. Throughout the war, he worked as a cook in Pearl Harbor.
Unfortunately, the number of World War II veterans in the United States is quickly dwindling; estimates indicate that less than 70,000 are alive.
Johnson is happy to have served and hopes that the next generation understands the value of duty to their country.
“Follow the example of those that went before you, that did a good job in help keeping this country together,” according to Bishop Johnson. “Let’s keep this country together because if we lose it, it’ll be bad.”
Bishop Johnson is a known face in Goose Creek, having returned after the war to establish Calvary Church of God in Christ.
The message today is the same as it was more than 80 years ago.
“To me, America is the greatest country in the world, and I am so proud to be a part of it. I simply hope that America doesn’t fall apart. “I hope we can stay together,” Bishop Johnson stated.
Again, happy birthday, Bishop Johnson, and thank you!
