George Blake, a member of American Legion Ray Lines Post 64, turned 100 years old on Jan. 29, 2021. He has been looking forward to celebrating this day since last year. However, due to COVID, this celebration was different than what he had planned, just like so many things that had to be canceled or changed this year. George is a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor and has served the Salida community for the past 38+ years. He most recently helped raise over $10,000 for the Chaffee County Emergency Response Fund to help individuals, families and nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 crisis.

A masked and socially distanced “People Parade” was held outside George’s sunroom today, where he was able to see and hear the numerous well-wishers. A musician, fully dressed in festive Scottish attire, was playing his bagpipe and telling stories of Scottish traditions. A huge birthday card was there for well-wishers to sign, and also a colorful large bag hanging from a tree branch to hold birthday cards from all his friends.