99-year-old World War II veteran reflects on service after emotional Normandy visit  

MARYVILLE, Mo. (KQTV)-- At 99 years old, Hubert Seipel has lived through nearly a century of history.

The World War II veteran recently checked something off his bucket list with a trip to Normandy—an experience he said he'll never forget. 

For Seipel, who served aboard an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific during the war, visiting Normandy offered a completely different perspective. 

“The land over there all new to me, and it was very interesting and very enlightening, as the place was known for a number of people who died over there, earned our freedom, I guess,” Seipel said.  

Looking back on his life, Seipel said he's thankful—not only for his good health, but also for the family that's been by his side. 

Born and raised in Maryville, Missouri, he said the only time he ever left home was to serve in the Navy during World War II.  

Sadly, he said the last friend he had from the war recently passed away in Arkansas. 

“He was on the same ship as I was and he was closest in the area back then because I didn’t know anybody during that time,” he said.  

Seipel said he's grateful for everyone who answered the call to serve, leaving behind their families to fight for their country. 

His visit to Normandy only deepened that appreciation.  

“I realized how many people did die over there and most of them might have just been kids straight out of high school,” Seipel added.  

Seipel retired from the Navy in September 1946 at just 19 years old. After returning home, he worked at a packing house before eventually making a career in farming. 

While he has many memories from his time in the service, it's the friendships he made that stand out the most.  

“There were some good buddies that I met. We did go our separate ways later on because we couldn’t keep in touch, but overall it was a nice experience with good friends,” Seipel said. 

 When asked what the biggest lesson from his military service was, he didn't hesitate. 

He said simply being able to serve his country was his greatest accomplishment. 

Now, Seipel is looking ahead to another milestone. He'll celebrate his 100th birthday on Nov. 3, and his family is planning a big celebration to mark a full century of life.