Los
Angeles: A US man who was unable to pursue education
in his childhood has finally earned a high school diploma at the
ripe age of 106. Frederick J Butler of Beverly was born in a
different time, more than seven years before any world war.
Today, Butler is still going strong at the age of 106. Not only is
he Beverly's oldest resident, he's now also the very first member
of the Beverly High School Class of 2013 to graduate, the Beverly
Citizen reported.
Butler, who attended Briscoe Middle School in his youth, stopped
his education in the 8th grade in order to begin his working career
and offer full-time financial support to his family. He later
served in the US Army during World War II from 1941-1945, married
his sweetheart, Ruth, and started a family, and returned home to
work for the Beverly Water Department, retiring in 1975.
However, the
education chapter of his life remained an unfinished one, until
now. Surrounded by his family, friends, the students of Beverly
High School, and a host of dignitaries, Butler received his
long-anticipated high school diploma on Monday morning to a hero's
welcome, in an event at the high school media center arranged by
members of Butler's family and other local officials.
Beverly City
Council President Paul Guanci made the ceremony's opening remarks,
reading a proclamation to be later entered into the record at
Monday night's council meeting, explaining that Butler was a man
who has dedicated his life to putting others first. Guanci provided
more history on Butler's life, adding that he was born in
Dorchester on November 23, 1906, as one of five siblings.
US lawmaker
John Tierney presented the centenarian with a special resolution
from the US Congress, honouring Butler's service to his family and
the nation. Mayor Bill Scanlon further proclaimed March 4, 2013, as
Frederick J Butler Day in the city of Beverly.
"The whole
city is very, very proud of this gentleman," said Scanlon. "I want
to thank everyone responsible for this; I certainly appreciate it,"
said Butler, a man of few words even in his moment of honour.