Belizean World War 2 Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday

The Belize Ex-Servicemen’s League had cause for a celebration today as one of its members turned one hundred years old. The centenarian is World War II veteran Rudolf Middleton. We stopped by the festivities earlier today, to learn moiré about him. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Today, the Belize Ex-Servicemen’s League congregated to celebrate the one hundredth birthday of former serviceman and World War II veteran, Rudolf Middleton. Having joined the army at just eighteen years old, Middleton is honored as a pioneer in the league. We caught up with the man of the hour to hear how he is feeling on this momentous occasion.

 

Rudolf Middleton, World War 2 Veteran

“I feel good.  Because It shows what type of person I am and what I’ve been through and raised up to be.  So I feel good about it.”

 

He stated that the only secret to a long life is to keep active.

 

 

Rudolf Middleton

“Well, I exercise while I was in the army and that keep me active. You know, and after I leave the army I work.  Keep active.  That’s what got me up so long.”

 

Middleton further reflected on his time in the army while serving the Crown.

 

Rudolf Middleton

“I was a private so I when I went overseas in Egypt, they changed me from what I was and let me be a guy that goes out and search for the enemy that they have searching for Rito, the battalion. And I went through that and that’s what kept up everything.”

 

We asked Middleton what advice he had for youths who may look up to him and his years of experience.

 

Rudolf Middleton

“Well, as for young people, it’s to keep going out respectfully.  Respect elders and respect yourself. Dress to suit, as they used to dress when I was young. The young lady, they wear the dress to the knee, and under the dress they got the skirt.  And they used to be respected then.”

 

President of the Belize Ex-Servicemen League, Bernard Adolphus explained the significance of the celebration and the impact Middleton has had on the league.

 

Bernard Adolphus, President, Belize Ex-Servicemen League

“It is a very important setup for us because of the fact that this gentleman, Mister Rudolph Middleton, a veteran, served this country. He volunteered at 18 years of age, now he’s 100 years. He put all his back into the situation. in this country. You know, when World War II came about, the crown asked the Caribbean for assistance with the men. And as a result, Mister Middleton and others, not only him, but you got others from north, south, east and west of this country who volunteer. When you check the record, it’s over a thousand odd gentlemen volunteer in World War II.”

 

According to Adolphus, Middleton set an example for members of the league, not only through his vast experience abroad, but through guidance and care extended towards members and their families.

 

Bernard Adolphus

“Some went to Scotland, cutting woods, but eventually joined the battalion. Imagine a black man like Mister Middleton, end up in Iraq, Iran, Jamaica, Barbados, in training, prepare for war, you see what I mean? And that, he set one example for us. He got discipline, honest and hardworking individual. When I came here in 1984, he advised me a number of stuff. As a result of his advice, I became a better person. It’s all about discipline. This department here, institution, may look insignificant to others. But believe you me, if you listen, you can learn. Take care of yourself; take care of your home. Help others. Because the whole idea is, in the past, we had a lot of veterans, and widowers, and we assist them. You know, because the husbands serve, the husbands serve, and because of this, they get assistance. So Mister Rudy, has been there for all of us. He has been there for others. As a result of that, he made myself and others a better person. And I’m grateful for that. And we can continue. So we had to have one. When we were discussing, we had to have something in honoring him.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.