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Emma
Didlake served her country with distinction and honor, a true trailblazer for generations of Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country. I was humbled and grateful to welcome Emma to the White House last month, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to Emma's family,
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About a month after visiting the White House, Didlake fell ill. She died on August 16, 2015, at 111 years old. She is survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Didlake attributed her longevity to a diet with a great deal of fruits and vegetables. Each day, she would also eat golden raisins that she had soaked in vodka overnight.
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At a young age, Didlake and her family moved to
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On July 17, 2015, at 111 years old, Didlake visited
Washington, D.C., on an honorary trip that included meeting President
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that she joined the Army because she "wanted to do different things." She served stateside as a private and a driver.
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In 1943, when she was 38 years old and the mother of five children, Didlake enlisted in the WAAC. She told the
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On August 19, President Obama issued the following statement to honor
Didlake's death:
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friends, and everyone she inspired over her long and quintessentially
American life.
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277:. The trip was organized and funded by Talons Out Honor Flight, a division of the
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lifetime achievement award at
Detroit NAACP's 58th annual Freedom Fund Dinner.
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481:"President Obama Meets With Emma Didlake, Oldest Living U.S. Veteran"
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With
Didlake's death, the oldest known veteran (World War II) became
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After leaving the service, Didlake and her family moved to
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and touring several historic monuments, including the
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For her service in World War II, Didlake earned the
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555:. 3 September 2015
393:. August 17, 2015.
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39:in July 2015
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286:Oval Office
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