A Suffolk resident was awarded for a rare milestone in Freemasonry on Saturday.

Howard Boone received the 70-year veterans service award as a member of the Freemason Purdie Lodge in Windsor. Craig Fillmore, the worshipful master of Purdie Lodge, presented the award at the Lake Prince Woods retirement community, where Boone resides.

Boone became a Master Mason when he was a member of the Castlewood Lodge on April 1, 1947, at age 22. On May 6, 1997, he joined Purdie Lodge, which now has approximately 102 members, according to Fillmore.

Boone is 92 years old and the first member of Purdie Lodge to receive the 70-year honor.

“This is nice,” Boone said. “I’m real proud of that.”

He is a Virginia Department of Transportation retiree and was an active Freemason when he was younger.

“He participated in all the things that we could offer,” Fillmore said.

Purdie Lodge secretary Robert Claud was there to witness the award presentation. He praised Boone for his service, and for being friendly and courteous.

“He’s a Southern gentleman,” Claud said.

Freemasons award members for reaching terms of services such as 50 and 60 years, according to Fillmore. He said that members are expected to contribute their time and effort to support the lodge, and that’s precisely what Boone did.

He said he was glad to present the award to Boone.

“I was glad of much he was impressed by it, and how thankful he was,” Fillmore said.