This fall, the City of Alexandria and the Successful Aging Committee will be celebrating National Centenarian Day, honoring those residents who will have reached the age of 100 or older by Dec. 31, 2021.

Just think of how much has changed in the last 100 years. Warren Harding was sworn in as President on March 4, 1921 and signed a joint congressional resolution declaring an end to America's state of war with Germany, Austria and Hungary. On Sept. 8, 1921 sixteen-year-old Margaret Gorman won the Golden Mermaid trophy at a beauty pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey; officials later dubbed her the first Miss America. Prohibition in the United States was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933, and the Roaring Twenties was a period of economic prosperity with a distinctive cultural edge in the United States and Europe – “flappers” redefined the modern look for American women. Our centenarians have experienced World War II, the first man on the Moon, the cell phone and Facebook! Oh, what stories and wisdom they can share.

At the Sept, 28, 2021 City Council meeting, a slideshow presentation will recognize the experiences and achievements of residents who have lived a century or longer. Alexandria centenarians who choose to participate in the presentation will receive a certificate and recognition coin honoring their resilience and accomplishments.

To participate or submit a nomination, complete an application and social history form by July 30.

If you are or know of someone who will be celebrating this special milestone by Dec. 31, please submit an application to Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) by July 30. Applications can be found on the City of Alexandria’s website at https://www.alexandriava.gov/Aging or at https://seniorservicesalex.org/. For more information, email admin@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

Mary Lee Anderson is Executive Director of Senior Services of Alexandria and a member of the Successful Aging Committee.