The Brief
- O’Neil Ducharme, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, may be the first to tell you that the key to peaceful longevity is learning to let go.
- He was a Marine in the 6th Division when he was among the first Allied forces to invade Okinawa, Japan in May 1945, surviving the 22-day firefight of Sugar Loaf Hill.
- The World War II Museum in New Orleans estimates that less than .05% of the 16 million who fought in World War II are still alive.
PALM HARBOR, Fla. – O’Neil Ducharme sits comfortably in his recliner, centered in his garage, as he stares out into the cul-de-sac in front of his home, surprised by how quickly time flies.
“I just can’t believe it’s been 80 years since the end of the war,” he said. “But, life is golden. It’s beautiful at 100 years old – it gets better.”
MILITARY MAY: Heroes’ Village bringing first-of-its-kind veteran housing to Sarasota
The backstory:…