It’s not every day that a community gets to honor a World War II veteran, but Saturday is one of those days.
Bill Fields, who lives in the Kenai area, is turning 100 over the weekend and the American Legion Post 20 is putting on a motorcycle caravan to celebrate the vet.
“It’s going to be a fun day,” American Legion Post 20 Commander David Segura told the Clarion on Thursday.
Fields turns 100 on Sunday, but chose to celebrate his birthday on Purple Heart Day, which is Saturday. Purple hearts are medals of honor given to U.S. military veterans who were severely wounded or killed in battle.
Segura, as well as Jill Johnson — a sergeant at the local American Legion — are planning Saturday’s ride.
When asked why she decided to take the reins on the event, Johnson said it was because of how much she appreciated Fields’ service.
“He gave a lot to us,” she said. “I’m just doing it to honor this man.”
Segura said he’s known Fields for about 50 years now.
“Bill Fields is a lifelong member of our community,” Segura said. “He’s dedicated years and years to the veterans.”
Segura said Fields is still as funny and sharp as ever, and enjoys being social. He said Saturday’s Purple Heart and celebratory ride is the perfect opportunity to express his gratitude and wish him a happy birthday.
“It’s just a good day to honor him,” Segura said. “We’ll all be out there for him.”
Johnson has been reaching out to motorcycle organizations across the state to participate in the caravan. The goal is to get 100 cyclists for Fields’ 100th birthday.
The caravan will meet at the Old Carrs Mall between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Then the bikers will take off up the Kenai Spur Highway to Fields’ house in Nikiski, where he’ll be watching from his driveway with his family.
Following the caravan will be a spaghetti and birthday cake feed for donation at the American Legion Post 20 building in Old Town Kenai, where Fields will be in attendance.
Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.
