NC WWII vet and civil rights pioneer celebrates 100th birthday

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Durham VA gave a North Carolina veteran quite the celebration for her 100th birthday.

Millie Veasey has lived a remarkable life. She was a member of the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, where she was stationed in England and France.

When Veasey returned home, she earned a college degree and became the first female president of Raleigh's NAACP chapter.

In 2016, President Barack Obama recognized her service.

She said her faith helped her reach the century milestone, after enlisting at a time when America had some growing to do.

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” she said. “Where there is hatred, let me show love. Where there is injury, pardon.”

Veasey will be honored this weekend with a luncheon at her alma mater, St. Augustine's College in Raleigh.

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