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The Oldest Living Veteran Meets the President

July 17, 2015 at 3:42 PM ET by Jenna Brayton

Summary:

President Obama meets with 110-year-old Emma Didlake, believed to be the country's oldest living veteran.

This afternoon, President Obama invited 110-year-old Emma Didlake -- believed to be the country's oldest living veteran -- to the Oval Office. "It's a great honor to have her here." the President said.

President Obama meets the nation's oldest vet, Emma Didlake

President Barack Obama greets the nation’s oldest living veteran, Emma Didlake, in the Oval Office, July 17, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Emma Didlake was a 38-year-old wife and mother when she decided she wanted to join the military. In 1943, she signed up for the Women’s Auxiliary Corp (WAC) and served as an Army private and driver for almost a year during World War II.

Her decorations from her time in the service include the Women’s Army Corps Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

After she was discharged, she moved with her family to Detroit where she joined the local NAACP chapter, eventually marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Detroit in 1963. A trailblazer for women and African Americans, Didlake received a lifetime achievement award from the chapter two years ago.

Born in Boligee, Alabama in March of 1905, Didlake credits a number of things in keeping her active and healthy at age 110, including eating fruit and vegetables, and avoiding meat. She also loves to read and meet people to keep her mind active.