Obama Meets American Long-Lived

On Friday, July 17, US President Barack Obama met with one of the oldest American women. Emma Didlake is now 110 years old. She served in the Army during the Second World War.

“We are so grateful that she is here with us today. Not only is it a reminder of the sacrifices made for our lives, but it also recognizes African American women for helping to unite our armed forces. We are very proud of them,” the president said.

Emma Didlake was born in Alabama in 1905. She entered the army in 1943. Then she was already 38 years old, and she was raising five children. Most women preferred to stay at home in those years and not participate in “men's affairs.” Therefore, Emma's decision was a very bold step for that time. She was a driver in the army and served for seven months.

After the war, Didlake joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In 1963, she won the Lifetime Achievement Award.