Until he died earlier this week at the impressive age of 110, Frank Livingston was both the oldest living man and veteran in the United States.
Livingston was born in North Carolina on Nov. 13, 1905. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, and served as a private during WWII.
Livingston was part of the Allied invasion of Italy in 1943. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
During a birthday celebration last year, Livingston was asked about his service and about how long he may live.
“I can remember the day I was inducted in the Army until the day I was discharged,” he said in November 2015. “I’ve been through so many dangerous things and I’m still here. I’m thankful to the almighty God for it. That’s all I can say.”
Though he didn’t have a lot of formal education, Livingston shared one of the secrets to living a fulfilling life.
“Be honest. That goes a long ways,” he said.
Amen. May he RIP.
What this man saw in his lifetime boggles the mind!
When Frank Livingston was born there was no such thing as airplanes. The Wright brothers had just made their first flight in a heavier than air craft less than two years before (23 months). News didn’t travel as fast back then so there was a large number of people that still believed that powered flight was impossible! They believed that no matter how long or haw many people worked on making a heavier than air flying machine fly, it would never happen! Men getting into a machine and flying off into the air was the stuff of science fiction. Other than the Wright Brothers and a two other people no one, nobody anywhere on earth had ever seen an airplane in flight!
When this man was born the American Civil War between the states had only been over 38 years. For us today that’s less time than the Viet Nam war has been over! That means that the Viet Nam war is farther away than the American Civil War was when this man, Frank Livingston was born.
Imagine what he has seen in his lifetime!
Mr. Smith
RIP. God Bless you, American Hero.
RIP Mr. Livingston, if not for men like you, we would’ve lost our freedoms long long ago! God Bless!
Bob, ur 100% right….. God bless you Mr Livingston rest in peace and thank you for your service to America….a true Patriot
“Be honest. That goes a long ways.” – Mr. Frank Livingston
Wise words from a wise man. The fat-cats in D.C. should pay attention, because if this is true they’ll all find themselves in early graves.