The oldest known living veteran in the US, Emma 'Big Mama'
Didlake, passed away on Sunday Aug 16th at the age of 110, just a few weeks
after meeting President Obama at the White House.
"It was a month ago today that we went to the White
House. I think she felt she had accomplished everything and could take her
rest.” Didlake's granddaughter Marilyn Horne said.
Last month, President Obama hosted Didlake, an African
American World War II veteran, in the Oval Office during her honor flight trip
to Washington, D.C.
"Emma Didlake served her country with distinction and
honor, a true trailblazer for generations of Americans who have sacrificed so
much for their country," President Obama said Monday. "I was humbled
and grateful to welcome Emma to the White House last month, and Michelle and I send
our deepest condolences to Emma’s family, friends, and everyone she inspired
over her long and quintessentially American life."
One of 15 children, Didlake was born in Boligee, Alabama in
1905 and later moved to Lynch, Kentucky with her family.
She married in 1922 and had five children. In 1943, she took
a barrier-breaking step –- joining the Army, at a time most women stayed at
home, and defying widespread racism and segregation.
Didlake traveled around the world and was decorated for her
service. Her decorations include the Women's Army Corps Service Medal, American
Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
After the war, she joined the NAACP and later marched
alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in Detroit.
In a recent newspaper interview, Didlake attributed her
great health to eating fruits and vegetables and not much meat. Each evening
she soaked nine golden raisins in a pint of gin and lets them sit overnight;
she ate them the next afternoon.
Source: San Antonio Express News
Source: San Antonio Express News
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