State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins presents George Riggs with a proclamation celebrating his 100th Birthday
By Dan Murphy
On Oct. 24 and 25, the family of Mr. George Riggs and his church, the Messiah Baptist Church in Yonkers, celebrated his 100th birthday
Mr. Riggs is one of the longest-living World War II veterans, serving in the Navy aboard the USS McCracken-APA during the invasion of Okinawa, Japan.
A birthday celebration at Castle Royale included family, friends, and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Councilperson Deana Norman.
Mayor Mike Spano sent a proclamation that declared Oct. 24, GEORGE ARTHUR RIGGS DAY.
The proclamation reads:
WHEREAS, As Mayor of the City of Yonkers, I am honored to join with family members and friends of GEORGE ARTHUR RIGGS, who we recognize today on the momentous occasion of his 100th Birthday; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 24, 1926 to Arthur and Lillian Riggs in Green Pond, South Carolina, GEORGE ARTHUR RIGGS celebrates his extraordinary 100th Birthday, surrounded by the love and admiration of his family, friends, and community; and
WHEREAS, GEORGE ARTHUR RIGGS answered our nation’s call to service by enlisting in the United States Navy on May 17, 1944, serving aboard the USS McCracken (APA-198) during the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945. Following his honorable discharge on March 5, 1946, his wartime service was recognized with the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Medal, and a personal letter of appreciation from Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal; and
WHEREAS, GEORGE ARTHUR RIGGS pursued educational and technical training, earning certificates through Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, the Board of Education, the New York Fire Department’s Fire Prevention, and The Delehanty Institute’s School of Radio, Electric and Television; he built an accomplished career as a Senior Engineering Technician, working for TECA Corporation and Vickers America and International Engineering Manufacturing Company, where he was selected to travel to China to help establish a factory; and
WHEREAS, GEORGE ARTHUR RIGGS has demonstrated a lasting commitment to fellowship, leadership, and faith as a Past Master and life member of St. James Lodge No. 98, Free and Accepted Masons, and as Grand Photographer Emeritus of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of New York; he is also a proud member of Messiah Baptist Church in Yonkers, where he was baptized in April 1972; and
WHEREAS, Among his greatest sources of pride are his two daughters, Lillian Riggs and Joyce Riggs Spearman, both United States Army veterans, who carry forward their father’s distinguished legacy of military service and dedication to our country; and
WHEREAS, The City of Yonkers is honored to raise its voice in tribute to GEORGE ARTHUR RIGGS, who has, for ten decades, exhibited a steadfast commitment to life, serving as a quintessential role model for all to follow, and as living proof that kindness bears great rewards.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE SPANO, Mayor of the City of Yonkers, do hereby proclaim this day as: GEORGE ARTHUR RIGGS DAY On the Occasion of His 100th Birthday in the City of Yonkers, and I call upon all residents to join in honoring GEORGE ARTHUR
RIGGS on this extraordinary milestone, thanking him for his dedicated service to our nation, and wishing him continued happiness, good health, and abundant joy surrounded by his beloved family and friends.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Yonkers, this 24th day of October 2026.
MIKE SPANO, MAYOR.
Mr. Riggs is in great health, and danced at his birthday celebration. God Bless and Happy 100th Birthday!
George Riggs with his family at his 100th Birthday celebration