SURRY, Va. — In a truly special moment for the community of Surry County, Virginia, family and friends gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 106th birthday of World War II veteran Purcell Bailey.

The celebration was a heartfelt tribute to a man who has not only lived through more than a century of history but has also contributed significantly to it.

Before his military service in the Army, Mr. Bailey was a member of the Williamsburg Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s and 40s. The CCC was a public work relief program that was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.

As a member, Mr. Bailey participated in archaeological digs along the Colonial Parkway, searching for historical artifacts, as well as frequent visits to sites like Jamestown.

When Wor

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