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WWII Veteran Celebrates 59 Years Working Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) – The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is a very important part of Harry Smith's life. So, much so that on this -- his 91st birthday -- he is also celebrating 59 years of working at the show.

Smith says he first started going to the show in the 1930's as a boy. According to him he has only missed the show three times. Once because they didn't host one year and twice in the 1940's when we was fighting in World War II.

"I've been fortunate enough that I've made every stock show since 1936... except three," said Smith.

These days he spends his time working with the horses and visiting with the countless friends he has made; friends he now calls family.

"They're family to me. Fifty-nine years watching these grown people start out as little kids..."

To this day Smith said his favorite part of the show is every time it opens with the national anthem as the American flag flies high.

"It should mean something to everyone in this country," said Smith, who insists all of the people at the how are why he returns year after year.

Smith has no plans of hanging it up anytime soon either.

"You'll never hear me say I'm tired. I might slow down -- not tired. Just keeping on rolling."

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