Herndon Gives 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Birthday Parade

HERNDON, VA — It's not every day a World War II veteran has a 100th birthday and residents of the Town of Herndon wanted to make sure that such an event got celebrated in a big way.

A large crowd of people participated in a drive-by parade Wednesday for Herndon resident Robert "Bob" Shawn in order to wish him a happy birthday. The crowd included members of the local Veterans of Foreign War, the Knights of Columbus, and both the Fairfax County Police and Fire and Rescue departments, as well has many other well-wishers.

"It's hard to express how grateful we felt with the amazing turn out," said Shawn's daughter, Tracy Shawn.

The crowds gathered Wednesday afternoon at Dranesville Elementary, before heading over to Robert Shawn's home nearby. Among the vehicles in the parade were fire engines, police cars, and WWII jeeps.

Robert Shawn was a member of the Army Air Corps during WWII, remaining in the U.S. Air Force after the war. He flew missions during the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold wars. Over his entire career, he flew 328 combat missions.

He lives with his second wife Julia Shawn in Herndon. He has three children, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Photo credits: Tracy Shawn, Victoria Shawn Walker, William Krause, Christopher Spillman.

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Drive-By Parade Planned For Herndon WWII Veteran's 100th Birthday