102-Year-Old WWII Veteran Reflects on Life and Future Celebrations
On his 102nd birthday, Harold Tellens, a World War II veteran, surrounded by loved ones in Florida, expressed optimism for what’s to come, saying, “The best hasn’t come yet.” He’s eager to tackle his bucket list, which includes a long-awaited Bar Mitzvah.
The New York City native was joined on Saturday morning by family and friends at a hotel in Delray Beach, celebrating with his second wife, three children, eight grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
“Honestly, this is the best day of my life,” Tellens shared, recalling fond memories of his late first wife, Thelma, with whom he spent 70 years. “She was with me in spirit today.”
Last year’s wedding in Normandy was memorable, but Tellens felt his birthday celebration surpassed that experience. He reminisced about festivities at his 100th birthday brunch, where he enjoyed lively moments with family members, including a singing granddaughter and her partner.
His ambitious bucket list involves an exciting 10-day transatlantic journey filled with culture—seeing operas in Milan, enjoying ballet in Paris, and attending a concert by the London Philharmonic. Next summer, he plans to celebrate his 103rd birthday with a Bar Mitzvah at the Pentagon, a milestone he missed in his youth.
“My parents had different views on religion—my mother was quite religious while my father was not,” he noted, explaining that his brother had previously had his Bar Mitzvah, which left Tellens feeling a bit unsettled.
Tellens recalls a significant moment when he appeared on a CNN panel, stating, “It’s definitely on my bucket list and it’s going to happen.” He’s looking forward to the big event, with all his family and friends expected to attend.
Enlisting in 1942, he served as a radio repair technician in the P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Squadron. He played a role in the D-Day operations, repairing planes as Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy.
Each year, he returns to Normandy to honor those who fought, feeling deep emotions that come with remembering that pivotal time. “Going with fellow veterans makes it especially meaningful,” he added, looking forward to the 82nd anniversary of D-Day in 2024.
Having met several U.S. presidents over his lifetime, Tellens attributes his longevity to minimizing stress. “I feel like the luckiest man alive,” he reflected. “Wealth isn’t about money for me; it’s about the relationships I cherish in my life. I think that makes me richer than anyone else.”
