TO CONGRATULATE JOHN DANIEL HARMON, SR., OF SALUDA COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RECENT ONE HUNDRED SECOND BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
Whereas, on September 25, 2021, John Daniel Harmon, Sr., of Saluda County awakened to the celebration of a milestone event: his one hundred second birthday; and
Whereas, born September 25, 1919, in Saluda County, John Daniel Harmon, Sr., came into this world the son of Amos and Ethel Harmon, and he has resided in Saluda County his entire life. He was raised on a small farm, with his hard-working parents instilling in their son life skills that have proven invaluable to him over the years. As a child, John attended Hickory Grove School and Hollywood School in Saluda County; and
Whereas, because he lived during the Great Depression, John learned to be resourceful and reuse everything. Many in the community relied on him when searching for tools, parts, or other items, and his knowledge and wisdom in many areas proved beneficial to those around him; and
Whereas, after leaving Hollywood School, John worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps before joining the U.S. Army during World War II. He began his service as an ambulance driver in Europe with B Company, 363rd Medical Battalion, 63rd Infantry Division. That division was one of the first to cross the infamous Siegfried Line, which John vividly recalls as the site of many battles during his tour of duty; and
Whereas, the young John formed many friendships in the Army, although he has outlived all his closest friends from that time. Almost thirty years ago, he and his wife, Grace, traveled with his surviving comrades to Europe to retrace the route the 63rd Infantry Division traveled; and
Whereas, following the war, John returned to Saluda, where he worked various jobs before starting his long service with Eagle Construction Company. He retired from the company as a supervisor in the late 1980s; and
Whereas, John was married to the former Grace Gentry for sixty-nine years, and together they raised five children and became the joyful grandparents of nine and the great-grandparents of eleven. The biggest joy in John's life is family time, including birthdays and holidays when the family gathers and celebrates together; and
Whereas, in celebration of his one hundred second birthday, family and friends gathered to honor him on September 25, 2021, at Bethany United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, at age one hundred two, John still takes care of himself and is most admired for his spunky, positive attitude toward life, as well as his quick wit and willingness to help those in need. He maintained a small herd of cattle and a vegetable garden until his late 90s. These days, you can find him around his home admiring all that nature has to offer; and
Whereas, the House of Representatives takes much pleasure in honoring this son of South Carolina on the recent celebration of his one hundred second birthday and joins with his family and friends in congratulating him on reaching this important life milestone. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate John Daniel Harmon, Sr., of Saluda County on the occasion of his recent one hundred second birthday and wish him much happiness in the days ahead.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to John Daniel Harmon, Sr.