LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jeffersontown celebrated a major milestone for a local World War II veteran on Wednesday.
Virgil "Rop" Roppel just turned 100 years old. The St. Matthews native joined the Navy when he was just 17.
He is also the co-founder of Roppel Radiator, now known as Roppel Industries.
To celebrate his impact on the community, Jeffersontown Mayor Carol Pike officially proclaimed Aug. 28 as "Virgil Roppel Day."
"He's just one of the most generous, nice people you'll ever meet," Virgil's son, Tom Roppel, said. "He's just an incredible guy ... It is amazing. It's emotional, nothing but pride."
The American Legion Post 244 also held a special campaign to collect birthday cards to give to Roppel. They received more than 500.
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