Tuskegee Airman celebrates 100th birthday

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Sounds of celebration and acts of kindness have erupted to celebrate the milestone of Rhode Island's last surviving Tuskegee Airman.

Sgt. Victor Butler, who lives in North Providence, turned 100 years old Saturday.

Westerly Rotary Club and WBLQ Radio's Rona Mann, along with Commander of Rhode Island's Veterans of Foreign Wars Dora Vasquez-Hellner, put together a car parade to honor him.

He's an amazing individual,” said Mann. “Everybody's yelling and screaming and giving him stuff, and he just sits there calmly, and the family told me he's been that way all of this life.”

Vasquez-Hellner shared similar sentiments.

As you know, World War II veterans — we are losing hundreds on a daily basis, and this presented us with the wonderful opportunity to wish Victor 100 years today," said Vasquez-Hellner.

The North Providence fire and police departments participated in the parade, while Operation Gratitude was among the many to deliver gifts to Butler.

The city’s mayor also announced that May 21 will now be known as "Victor Butler Day."

Butler enlisted and served with the Black Air Force squadron in a racially divided Tuskegee, Alabama, during World War II.

Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., read a proclamation for Butler, and the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club and the Tuskegee Airmen Bike Club visited and dropped off gifts, including a Tuskegee Airmen biker jacket.

With Sgt. Butler being one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, our club pays homage to all Tuskegee Airmen and keep the legacy alive," said Michael Black, who is the leader of the Tuskegee Airmen Bike Club.But on a personal level, Sgt. Butler and I share birthdays,” Black said. “He turns 100 and I turn 50, so these are great milestones and just a great accomplishment that we get to honor him in our club as an honorary member. It's just the best thing ever."

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and long snapper Joe Cardona also surprised Butler.

They gave him a jersey with No. 100, as well as a football signed by players.

Mr. Butler is one of the heroes of this country," said Kraft, in part. "He went through some rough times and represented our country's best interest."

Butler thanked Kraft, adding that he’s a big Patriots fan.

That's my favorite team, the Patriots, and I see them on television all the time, and to have them come to my door and meet me in this way, it's really a great honor," said Butler.