SCOTTSBURG— Relatives and friends gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Allen Ruliffson at the Sparta Community Center in Scottsburg on Dec. 27.

Ruliffson, a World War II Coast Guard veteran, was honored for his service by the Patriot Guard Riders and State Senator Pam Helming, R-Canandaigua.

Ruliffson served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1943 to 1945 as a seaman first class and quartermaster, performing duties as a helmsman for several ships, steering ships with a compass.

“I was a seaman, but I did a lot of steering in the ships,” said Ruliffson. “You turn the wheel, and about a half an hour later, the ship moves.”

Helming also said a few words and presented Ruliffson with a New York State Senate Citation as a highly respected citizen of Livingston County and New York State, recognizing his distinguished service on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

“I think it's incredibly important to recognize a citizen like Al because of his service, his sacrifice, his commitment to our country, our state, and to the community,” said Helming.“But for me, what's most important is how much his family loves him and has showed up from all over the nation to support him on this special day,” she said. “You can see it here today on the faces of others and in the stories they're sharing with me how he continues to inspire people.”