Navy Veteran Merle Ritter once told his family that he never had many birthday parties growing up. As a kid, his parents treated birthdays like any other day. Then the great depression set in, making birthdays even lower on the priority list.
“It’s kind of sad when you think about it,” said Elaine Damewood, Ritter’s niece, in an interview with Military.com. “But I think we’ve more than made up for it in his later years.”
Those later years came to a head on May 8, 2026, when Ritter, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, turned 100 years old. To mark the milestone, Ritter’s family threw him an epic birthday party near his home outside Indianapolis, Indiana, to honor his longevity.
Ritter couldn’t have been more thrilled.
“It was really nice. We had a good turnout. He was real happy,” said Damewood. “We had three days worth of parties, so he was really, really happy.”
Storied Start to Military Service
Ritter’s life story could be a movie. Initially enlisting to fight in World War II, Ritter was in basic training when Atomic Bombs were dropped over Japan, meaning Ritter would miss his first chance to serve. However, he re-enlisted in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, fulfilling his call to duty.
“He never saw any combat, but he is just as proud as anyone to be a veteran,” said Damewood. “He has so many stories from his time in the service. As with anyone his age, the old times are really near and dear.”
At his centennial birthday bash, Ritter was front and center as more than 75 guests were in attendance. His blended family includes his 91-year-old wife Dolly, three step-children and Ritter’s own son and two daughters.
Another Centennial Military Birthday
“There’s a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren too,” added Damewood, who lives with her family in Houston, but traveled to Indiana for Ritter’s birthday celebration. “He was really happy to see everyone. He was the life of the party.”
Despite his advanced age, Ritter’s family says he’s extremely active and engaged. He and his wife live in a 55-and-older senior living community, where Ritter sometimes takes on the role of caregiver.
“One time, I noticed him pushing Dolly in a wheelchair. She can walk, but feels more secure in a chair to keep her from falling,” said Damewood. “I said to my husband, ‘Here’s a 100-year-old pushing a 91-year-old in a wheelchair.’ It was a sight to see.”
Damewood says that is quintessential Merle Ritter. Always kind, always gracious, and always helpful when he can.
“That’s the thing about Merle. He’s a very young 100-year-old,” she said. “He walks really well, and he’s very active. I think he’s more humble when he’s having a problem with his hearing aids. He’s got a great sense of humor.”
Family Pushes for Hall of Fame Induction
As for the future, Ritter’s years of service across three overseas wars are recorded by the Library of Congress. Also, his family is working on having him inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.
One prized possession that brings Ritter enormous pride is a handwritten letter from then-President Richard Nixon. Posted online and reviewed by Military.com, the letter reads in part: “I extend to you my personal thanks and sincere appreciation of a grateful nation for your contribution of honorable service to our country. You have helped maintain the security of the nation during a critical time in its history with a devotion to duty and a spirit of sacrifice in keeping with the proud tradition of the military service.”
“I’m not sure how we top this 100-year celebration,” said Damewood. “I just want him to know how much we appreciate him as his family, and how much his service to our country means for our freedoms. We owe him so much.”
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