NewsPositively Hampton Roads

Actions

100 years young: Community celebrates Norfolk veteran's centennial birthday with parade

Posted at 9:13 PM, Apr 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-29 17:20:37-04

NORFOLK, Va. – One hundred years young and counting! Monday, neighbors celebrated a very special man in the community.

Cars drove up and down Barn Hallow Road in a birthday parade for Mr. John Todd, a man the neighborhood is calling a legend.

The coronavirus didn't stop people from coming out of their homes to wish the Navy veteran happy birthday.

Mr. Todd owned several barbershops in the community, as well as a boxing ring for children.

“He is just an inspiration; he is like everybody’s hero,” said neighbor Rita Foreman. “He has been around a long time - from the many years he owned barbershops on Church Street to his boxing ring. He is just a big encouragement for a lot of people.”

Related: Neighbors give local community pioneer surprise social distancing celebration for 80th birthday

“It’s wonderful to see this group of people turn out. Oh, I was happy - very happy,” the birthday boy told us.

The Norfolk Fire Department also brought out one of their trucks to the celebration.

Click here for full coronavirus coverage.