HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — For some, living to celebrate another birthday each year is a very special moment in time no matter how old you turn. For one Harvest man named John Drake Sr., we hear some of his secrets to a long life ahead of his 106th birthday Sunday.
Drake believes his gratitude for all things is the reason he's still here today. "I had a wonderful life, and I've been blessed in many ways to be able to be here today at my age. I'm blessed in lots of ways and I appreciate it. That's one reason I'm here today, cause I appreciate some of the things that I've been through in my lifetime. Always give thanks for the Master who is above that looks over you daily."
With many decades of experience here on earth, something that really shaped him was his time as an Army Sergeant in World War II. "It'll take a lot for me to explain the things that I went through during my lifetime being as a soldier. Most of the time I was in the war. I was a World War II Sergeant in the Army, and I learned a lot being in the army about other people and other places. You get to learn more about life."
Drake's son, Robert, explained that his father is a big reason he understands the value of hard work. "Just like any other family, you know, had, life's challenges. but, being immensely blessed, as I say, and just, you know, the importance of hard work, integrity and just the importance of a family in the family unit."