It’s difficult to think where the United States would be today if not for those who defended freedom in years past.

     This is especially true of World War II veterans, who served in a time of much turmoil in the world and fought to preserve our freedom.

     There are many veterans living in the Brookhaven area, but one stood out Thursday.

     The Brookhaven chapter of the American Legion recognized Millard Smith for 60 years of continuous service to the group Thursday afternoon at their meeting.

     Smith, 90, served with the 8th Air Force in England for more than two years as a ground crew mechanic on B-17s during World War II. Of the war, Smith said he was happy to do what he could to help.

     “I was pleased to be a small part of it during that time,” he said. “I hope people learn more about what happened then. The sacrifice people made that did the flying really stands out in my memory.”

     After the war, Smith worked in the grocery store business for 26 years where he eventually owned four Sunflower grocery stores in Brookhaven, McComb, Crystal Springs and Hazlehurst. He then worked as a director of sales for Saladmaster Cookware for 14 years before spending 11 years as the church administrator at First Baptist Church before retiring in 1997.

     Smith said he enjoys traveling, fishing, working in his yard and performing community service.

     “I enjoy my family and work,” Smith said. “I’ve been blessed with a great family.”

     Smith and his wife, Winnie Smith, have been married for 66 years and have two sons, three grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

     His two sons are Edward Dee Smith and Bedford Smith, the latter being named after the town in England the elder Smith was stationed in during his service.

     In the American Legion, Smith said he wanted to work to remind people about WWII.

     “I want to perform service and continue to remind people of what happened in the past that brought us to where we are today,” he said.

     One special memory Smith has occurred in 1978 when he traveled back to England to where he was stationed during the war.

     “I met the two children we gave our bicycles to when we left,” Smith said. “Both of them were grown up, with one being married and having children.”