LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- As many families gathered to have their own Independence Day celebrations, Wedneseday morning Boy Scout Troop 30 and residents at Presbyterian Village in Little Rock had their own flag ceremony.
One of those residents is an 88-year-old man who still lets his patriotic spirit shine.
Director of Development at Presbyterian Village David King says, "It was time for a new American flag. We fly the flag here at the entrance. It was time to replace and we thought "What better time to do that than on the Fourth of July?"
Inside, Arthur W. Campbell Jr (who prefers to be called "Art" for short) is also "retired". He remembers his service in the Army and does so with a smile.
Campbell grew up in Little Rock and Scott, Ark.
"Then I went to Texas A & M. I was there before the war. I remember when Pearl Harbor came somebody said 'Pearl Harbor's been bombed!' I didn't know who Pearl Harbor was. I didn't know her!"
Cambpell did his Army basic training in Virginia, before he was assigned to the 285th combat battalion.
"Then we went over to England," says Campbell. "We were there about three or four months... when Patton was in trouble he sent for me," he says, laughing.
These stories become more priceless year after year; stories still special to those who lived them.
King says ,"It brought back a lot of memories for them. We have about 25 residents who have served in the military, most in World War II."
Campbell recalls, "I was the highest ranking officer there. I was first lieutenant. The only officer there matter of fact. We were training to go the Pacific. The first sergeant came in and pulled my foot... and said 'Hey! The war's over!' and I said 'Good!' and went back to sleep!"
Sittingt in a decorated dining room we look around before lunch is served. It's a festive feast -- barbecue sandwiches and baked beans, with watermelon for dessert. Perhaps similar to one Campell had 66 years ago, the summer he came home from war. But it's not near as special.
Campbell says, "Well when I got out of the army I went to a picnic at Truman King's house on Bearskin Lake and that was the best meal I ever ate! Beat the hell outta K rations and C rations! That was a real day!"
A real day indeed, for a real hero.