local
El Paso sailor who watched end of WWII turns 100 on Father's Day
By Eliya Alvidrez at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An El Paso sailor who watched the ending of World War II in Tokyo Bay turns 100 on Father's Day. Lifelong El Paso resident Bobby Pierce Long is preparing to celebrate his 100th birthday, 81 years after he watched history unfold. Long served in the U.S. Navy during World Wa...
Key takeaway Lifelong El Paso resident Bobby Pierce Long is preparing to celebrate his 100th birthday, 81 years after he watched history unfold.
Why this matters in The El Paso
Bobby Pierce Long's centennial birthday is a significant milestone for the El Paso community, marking a rare opportunity to honor a local veteran who witnessed a pivotal moment in world history. As the city prepares to celebrate Father's Day, Long's life story serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of El Paso's military veterans. His experiences in the U.S. Navy during World War II have undoubtedly shaped his perspective on the city's growth and development over the past eight decades. Long's longevity and dedication to his community make him an integral part of El Paso's cultural heritage, and his 100th birthday celebration will likely draw attention from local historians and veterans' organizations. The occasion may also prompt reflection on the city's role in supporting its aging veteran population and preserving the stories of those who have served.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An El Paso sailor who watched the ending of World War II in Tokyo Bay turns 100 on Father's Day. Lifelong El Paso resident Bobby Pierce Long is preparing to celebrate his 100th birthday, 81 years after he watched history unfold. Long served in the U.S. Navy during World Wa...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Eliya Alvidrez at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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