American Legion honors Mayville man, 106-year-old WWII veteran

MAYVILLE, N.D. — At Mayville’s Luther Memorial Home Thursday, July 6, 106-year-old Walter Rindy was surrounded by those who still marvel at his personality and longevity.

The World War II veteran is a member of Mayville’s American Legion Post #8 for 78 years. An unmatched record.

Rindy was thanked by Glenn Wahus, national vice-commander of the American Legion.

In 1943, Rindy was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in the South Pacific on a ship just yards from the signing of the peace treaty.

“We were on the ship right next to them, it was unbelievable,” Rindy said.

And so imagine the surprise when Luther Memorial Home employee Chichi Basil, who grew up in the Philippines, met Rindy, who was on the island of Luzon during the war. Her home.

“‘Are you from Luzon’, he asked me, ‘Are you from Luzon?’ I said ‘Yes sir, I am from Luzon,’” Basil said.

“Because of you, Walter, I am here,” Basil said.

Life has been good for 106-year-old Rindy. He lost his bride of 74 years, Violet, just two years ago. Life hasn’t been the same.

“She was a very nice lady,” Rindy said.

On Thursday a reminder of one man’s incredible service to country and community. This longtime mailman who, at 106, can’t wait to see what 107 holds.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes,” Rindy said.

One thing hasn’t changed all these years for him. He hated green beans during World War II and he won’t eat them at the Luther Memorial Home.