Alle-Kiski Valley's only remaining Pearl Harbor survivor celebrates 100th birthday

George Pann smiled as he reached out a hand to pet a large, white sheep.

Ryan Maglione, owner of Little Blessings Farm and Mobile Zoo, jokingly asked Pann if he wanted to take the sheep back to his room with him.

Pann just laughed, marveling at the animal.

It was a special day for the Saxonburg resident, who reached the 100-year milestone Friday.

The party was hosted by Magnolia Place of Saxonburg, where he lives. He donned a sash that read “100 years old never looked so good” with a matching hat.

His sash was right.

“I never thought much about it, but it kept creeping up,” he said. “I feel good.”

Little Blessings’ petting zoo included roosters, bunnies, sheep and more for Pann and everyone else to enjoy. Dozens of animal crackers fell to the floor of the small, fenced-in areas the animals roamed around in.

Friends, family and staff members surrounded Pann, showering him with love and support.

Amie Feeney, director of quality assurance at Magnolia Place, said planning for the party started two months ago. She started by asking Pann what he wanted to do. She said the birthday party was a great opportunity for residents to get outside while celebrating Pann.

“I love to see the enjoyment and smiles,” she said.

Jodi Rodgers, the director of marketing and administration, said she remembers that on Veterans Day, Pann would shake all the residents’ hands and thank them.

“George is very humble and amicable,” Rodgers said.

Pearl Harbor memories

The environment was far different from when he was stationed in Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Pann was an Army private assigned to the 55th Coast Artillery, Battery E, stationed on the northeast coast of Oahu.

All these years later, it is difficult for Pann to reflect on the day. He remembers how chaotic it was because of how much damage the Japanese were making on the ships and airfield.

“Eventually, we were supreme,” he said.

Maglione said that, as a fellow veteran, it was great to be able to put on a petting zoo for Pann’s birthday.

“I think this is wonderful. He has seen so much,” he said.

The party didn’t stop with the petting zoo.

Later in the day, Boy Scouts held a flag retirement and rising ceremony in honor of Pann. State Rep. Marci Mustello presented Pann with a declaration from the state House of Representatives. And the Cabot Cruisers and Zelienople American Legion Riders held a parade.