World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday in Lizella

Friends, family and community members gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate a remarkable milestone—World War II Veteran Al Pallas' 100th birthday.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Friends, family and community members gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate a remarkable milestone—World War II Veteran Al Pallas’ 100th birthday.

The celebration began with an escort from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, leading American Legion Riders to Pallas’ home in Lizella.

Sirens blared and horns honked, electrifying the neighborhood as the procession made its way to Pallas’ home, where he sat proudly outside.

Chester Stewart, the American Legion Riders’ Post 3 Macon Sgt. at Arms, spoke about the vet’s life and the fond memories they’ve shared with him.

“If you think about him getting off that ship and marching 500 miles, the things that he endured, the hardships he had to go through, that’s just something you don’t need to take for granted,” he said.

His daughter, Laura Pallas, was in attendance Wednesday. She says her dad taught her a lot of lessons that she continues to carry with her today, but what stands out to her is that, even now, he continues to express his love.

“He tells me how much he loves me,” she said. “And that means so much to me. He knows that that’s what’s important.”

Pallas received numerous gifts Wednesday, all holding deep meanings behind them. Macon-Bibb County officially declared it “Al Pallas Day.”