Wed., Nov 12, 2014
|
Community: The Legacy of St Anthony
An honored veteran is celebrated at The Legacy of St. Anthony
The below story aired on KSTP Channel 5 last Friday November 7th, 2014
The man who is one of the oldest living World War II veterans from Minnesota and the oldest former Gopher football player has received a special honor.
"I had a great time playing freshman football and then later on, I got hurt playing football," says Lucian "Lu" Vorpahl.
Vorpahl is 103 years old, but you would never know it. Even though he wasn't the best football player, friends and family say throughout his lifetime Vorpahl has done some things other men and women have not. He started out as a second lieutenant in WWII in 1941 and in just four years became a lieutenant colonel.
"That's a big deal. So they don't just give those up because you show up," says Jerry Kyser with Honor Flight Twin Cities.
Friday was Vorpahl's special day. He was greeted by a crowd full of fellow seniors, friends and family - even Goldy the Gopher arrived at the Legacy Senior Center to honor him.
"I don't deserve any ceremony, but it's awfully nice, very very nice to do something like that," says Vorpahl.
It doesn't stop Friday. The Gophers celebrated "Lu" last Saturday during the halftime show of the Gopher football game at TCF Bank Stadium. There was a flyover in the veteran's honor.
Congratulations Lu, We are so proud of you!
To Learn more about the Legacy of St. Anthony, call today! 612-843-3700
