Wednesday, September 11, 2024
At the vibrant age of 103, Fern Nielsen reminds us that life is a grand adventure, filled with laughter, love and a sprinkle of mischief.
The beloved Coast Guard veteran celebrated her remarkable milestone birthday Aug. 6, surrounded by family, friends and community members who gathered to honor her life and service at AVIVA Granbury.
Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Nielsen joined the Coast Guard Women's Reserve, known as the SPARS (Semper Paratus — Always Ready), during World War II, eager to make a difference. Her journey into military life was not without its challenges, but her determination and cheerful disposition helped her navigate the obstacles of boot camp and beyond.
"My parents didn't want me to go into the service, but I survived," she fondly recalled.
The festivities kicked off with heartfelt tributes, including a special honor from the Corps of Cadets from Tarleton State University. Col. Doug Simon led the ceremony, recognizing Nielsen’s incredible life story and the sacrifices she made for her country.
“Everyone here has a biography and history,” he said. “Her life story is incredible, but when you mix that with the history that she did serve during World War II, the greatest generation, that is even more tremendous. When we recognize Ms.ß Nielsen, we are grateful for her sacrifice.”
Nielsen was then presented with a pin and a plaque that reads, “We pay special tribute to you for your military service to America and for advancing the universal hope of freedom and liberty to all.”
Keith, Nielsen’s oldest son, also shared cherished memories and reflections on growing up with a mother who was always full of wisdom.
“Mom never lectured my older brother, younger brother and I much, but she did come out with a lot of sayings, kind of instructional things to live your life on," he explained.
Some of those phrases included:
He also shared some insights from a recent conversation with his mother about the current state of the world, touching on serious topics like school shootings and unethical politicians, as well as the impact of technology. Reflecting on their discussion, he noted that she remarked on her life experiences, saying she was born before the advent of television, penicillin, polio vaccines, frozen foods, Xerox machines, contact lenses, frisbees and the birth control pill.
“There weren't things like credit cards, laser beams or ballpoint pens, and a man had not invented pantyhose, dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric blankets, air conditioners, and he hadn't walked on the moon yet,” Keith said, reading back on what his mother had told him. “Your dad and I got married first and then lived together. Every family had a father and mother, and every kid over 14 had a rifle that his dad taught him how to use and respect. Until I was 25, I called every man older than I am, ‘Sir,’ and after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with the title ‘Sir.’”
During their conversation, Fern also talked about how fast food was what you ate during Lent and how time-sharing meant time the family spent together on the evenings and weekends. The term “making out” also referred to how you did on your school exam.
"Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment and common sense,” Fern had said, reflecting on the values of her generation. “We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong, and to stand up and take responsibility for your actions. Serving your country was a privilege, and living here is a better privilege.”
In a letter she wrote, Fern detailed her reason for joining SPARS and recounted her time in the Coast Guard.
“There were six girls to a room — three bunkbeds and two dressers. During white glove inspection, we had to stagger our drawers,” she states in the letter. “One time a girl in our room left a slip strap hanging out and so all six of us had extra duty. Your bed (also) had to be tight so you could bounce a dime on it.”
During boot camp where she was stationed in Palm Beach, Florida, Fern explained that the girls had to complete drills, like marching, calisthenics, swimming and attend classes about the Coast Guard.
"Our drill sergeants were men who showed no mercy,” she wrote. “Some girls fainted in drill field – hot in September in Florida.”
After six weeks of boot camp, the girls were allowed to sign up for a school. As she was fed up with office work, Fern wanted to try something different, so she decided to attend “cooks and bakers school.”
“(We) had one free period each day and I chose that time to sing in a choral group,” her letter states. “When work duties were given, the girls in choir received serving food duty — the other girls scrubbed floors and worked in hot dishwashing machines.”
Fern completed school and then took a test, earning the rating of ship’s cook, third class — equal to a sergeant in the Army.
She then spent six months in Florida, although she recounts it “wasn’t all work.”
“Several times four of us would rent a car and drive to another town,” her letter states. “Before we had liberty, we had to pass personal inspection. We would line up and in those days, stockings had seams. The officer in charge would tell us our port or starboard seam was crooked.”
After Palm Beach, Fern met her future husband, George, in a town called Sandwich, Massachusetts on Cape Cod.
"He was from Washington State, and I was from Pennsylvania,” she told the Hood County News last year. “How we met was we were on the beach, and I lost my identification bracelet.”
Keith had explained that one of her friends shouted out that “whoever finds her bracelet, Fern will go out on a date with you,” — which inspired George to make a show.
"He made it look good,” she previously said. “He kept diving in after it and he said he found it the first time he dove in, but he made it look good.”
Fern explained that after her first date with George, she told her best girlfriend, “That’s the first boy I ever went out with that I could talk to like another girl.”
"I told him that later on, and he said, ‘I don't know if that's a compliment or not,’” she said, chuckling.
Throughout her life, Fern has enjoyed a rich tapestry of experiences, from her days in the Coast Guard to raising three children — Larry, Keith and Jeff — and cherishing time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
According to Keith, she always used to tell her children “You learn from yesterday. You live for today. You look to tomorrow. And then you always take a nap and rest this afternoon.”
But Fern didn’t always practice what she preached.
“She'll try anything,” Colleen Nielsen, Fern’s daughter-in-law previously told the HCN. “I remember one time going to a winery and all of sudden I turn around and she was in there doing the stomping of the grapes kind of like Lucy did on ‘I Love Lucy,’ so she'll try anything for fun.”
Fern’s adventures have taken her from Pennsylvania to various states before she finally settled in AVIVA Granbury.
As her birthday celebration continued and Fern enjoyed a slow dance, it became evident that her zest for life and unwavering spirit had inspired everyone around her. With a heart brimming with memories and a beaming smile, she demonstrates that age is just a number — and her journey is far from over.
“This is something I will always remember,” she said, reflecting on her birthday celebration. “I never expected anything like this. I know I came to the right place.”
