Citizens from around the Gardendale area turned out Monday morning for a parade to honor local World War II veteran Walter Jones, who is turning 104 years old.

The event was highlighted by U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-Homewood) and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Birmingham.

“Happy 104th birthday to Mr. Walter Jones of Gardendale! Mr. Jones is a World War II Marine veteran and was recognized with a drive-by Jeep parade this morning. It was an honor to be a part of celebrating him and his long, full life of service to others!” wrote Palmer on his official Facebook page.

The event honoring Walter Jones’ 104th birthday was a drive-by parade, so proper coronavirus precautions like social distancing could be kept in place.

The parade began at the Gardendale Police Department at 10:00 a.m. on Monday.

Jones was seated in a jeep similar to the style that infantry soldiers employed during World War II.

Celebrating Jones appeared to cross partisan lines. A constituent of Congressman Palmer commented on the representative’s Facebook post about Jones, “Finally a post of yours I agree with! Happy birthday mr Jones! Thank you for your service.”

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95