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Second World War veteran greeted with trumpets, fanfare, horses for 102nd birthday

Margaret MacDonald sat outside her West End home with her daughter as she watched members of the Vancouver police horse unit, as well as dozens of neighbours, cheer for her on her birthday.

Margaret MacDonald served in the air force during war, her daughter says

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Katherine Houston pushes her mother Margaret MacDonald outside during a surprise visit by the VPD mounted unit and friends for her 102nd birthday in Vancouver on April 28. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

A Second World War veteran who celebrated her 102nd birthday got a surprise from Vancouver police and the public.

Margaret MacDonald sat outside her West End home with her daughter Tuesday, as she watched members of the Vancouver police horse unit, as well as dozens of neighbours, cheer for her on her birthday.

Margaret MacDonald was greeted with applause and cheering on her 102nd birthday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

Daughter Katherine Houston said some members of the Vancouver Police Department's mounted unit organized the surprise for her mother, who enjoys watching the horses as they often pass by her home.

"They're so nice to my mom," said Houston, embracing her mother in her wheelchair.

"She's a former World War II air service officer, she's done a lot for her country," said Houston. "She just feels very loved."

Second World War veteran surprised with trumpets, horses, fanfare on 102nd birthday

2 years ago
Duration 0:38
Margaret Houston's daughter tells us what her mother's 102nd birthday surprise means to her
There was no shortage of balloons at the surprise celebration in Vancouver's West End. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
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