Former Navy Chief Ellis Pope celebrated his 102nd birthday at the Mayport Naval Base Thursday. As he stood at the podium before he started his birthday speech, he joked that he thought of dedicating a minute of his speech for every year of his life. He realized he'd be talking for an hour and forty-two minutes.
Pope celebrated with friends and veterans. His speech was filled with memories of his time served in the U.S. Navy. Though 102 years old is a milestone to reach, Pope doesn't always feel his age.
"I feel great, I mean sometimes I feel 102, but most of the time I don’t really feel that way, so…but I’m grateful for…Only the lord knows why I’ve lived as long as I have," he said.
In addressing the crowd, Pope recalled the day President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war after the Pearl Harbor bombings. He was working at the time but decided to visit a Navy recruiting office. Four years later, he ranked chief.
Of his time in the Navy Pope says, "I was proud to have served in the Navy at the time that I served, and I know that those people who are still serving in the Navy have that same pride.”
After his speech, Pope was whisked outside for a surprise rendition of "Happy Birthday" sung by the newly appointed Navy chiefs. His advice for the new chiefs, simply, behave themselves.
This year, Pope is looking forward to spending time with his four children, 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.