When asked what it’s like to be 100 years old, Nancy Millard
said, “I haven’t found out yet.”
She was born June 4, 1920, and today, 100 years later, the world
is a very different place.
“Mugga,” as she is affectionately called by family, dates back to
her first grandchild being unable to say grandma.
Right around 5 p.m. on her 100th birthday, her usually quiet
neighborhood in North Arlington was shaken up by loud sirens and flashing
lights. A caravan of vehicles blaring sirens, tooting horns and shouting
greetings snaked down the street for several blocks. The parade of sorts was
led by two Arlington County Police officers on motorcycles followed by
countless police vehicles, Arlington County Fire Department engines, sheriffs’
vehicles and several private cars and trucks, one sporting an inflatable
unicorn on its roof.
With racial tensions running high after the death of George Floyd
at the hands of police in Minneapolis coupled with the monthslong pandemic
quarantine, neighbors first emerged from their homes with concerned looks at
the hefty police presence. Within minutes, signs from the cars saying “Happy
Birthday Nancy” and “100 years of fabulous,” quickly lightened the mood and became
a welcome diversion. Neighbors whipped out cell phones to take photos and
videos of the celebration. Many waved back to the first responders who appeared
to enjoy the opportunity to engage with the community.
Millard lives just blocks from her parish, St. Agnes. Until the
coronavirus pandemic, she had been attending Mass. Now Communion is brought to
her.
Surrounded by family, including her son Chip and her grandson
Mark, Nancy sat on a chair by the curb in front of her house holding a huge
bouquet of flowers. She waved to the cars and seemed to marvel at the
spectacle.
She said the parade was “unbelievable” and “wonderful.”
But she quickly quipped, “I’m wondering who’s gonna get the
bill.”
Augherton can be reached at ann.augherton@catholicherald.com.