Macon, Ga. (WGXA) — Dan Gatlyn’s seen loads by means of his 96-year-old eyes.
Fifteen presidents, quite a few wars and political occasions, every together with his personal distinctive perspective.
We met at Macon’s historic S&S Cafeteria – a spot he is frequented for practically 75 years.
A lunch stuffed with tales – from the Nice Melancholy to the Nice Recession.
Waitresses know him by identify, individuals stopping to thank him for his service – every time greeting them with a smile.
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However Gatlyn’s love for writing was an entire accident.
Whereas serving within the Navy within the early Fifties, a commanding officer requested him to put in writing a month-to-month e-newsletter in regards to the 35-person crew.
“I wasn’t even nice at it, man,” Gatlyn stated. “I used to be an airman and I hated it, however he gave me that job to put in writing.”
Three a long time in service and a dozen books later, it is now what will get Gatlyn off the bed within the morning.
His briefcase is crammed together with his writing supplies from the previous, however he’ll write his month-to-month emails crammed with historical past classes.
He is watched all of it occur – however he says one thing’s lacking immediately.
“America doesn’t have an concept of who we come from,” Gatlyn stated. “They do not have a coronary heart for this nation… they examine it, however they do not educate historical past in class anymore.”
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Practically a century later, he’s not simply wanting again, he’s ensuring we do.
As America inches nearer to its 250th birthday, we’re highlighting how Center Georgians are displaying their love for the Purple, White, and Blue.
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