Today’s Star Spangled Salute honors 98-year-old WWII Navy Veteran Emerson Pell.  World War II Veterans, members of The Greatest Generation, are a rare commodity these days, which was why Emerson’s community, friends and neighbors decided to celebrate his 98th birthday the other day.  Emerson, who served in the Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate Third Class, was surprised the other day with a parade at his home in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia by his family, friends, members of the local Jeep Club and volunteer fire fighters. The birthday boy said he felt blessed throughout his life between a loving family, working in construction with his son, and war stories he remembers like it was yesterday. One thing he cherishes most about his life is the 64-year marriage he had.  To celebrate his 98th birthday,  Emerson got his driver’s license renewed for five years and looks forward to getting back behind the wheel of his truck.  Happy Birthday Emerson and THANK YOU for your service.