LEBANON, Ore. -- William “Bill” Lapschies received a special visit from his family on Memorial Day.

The 104-year-old Army veteran recovered from coronavirus in early April.

"We had some pretty scary moments,” granddaughter Jamie Yutzie said. "There were some ups and downs and a few moments where we thought that might be the last time we see him."

Yutzie said it was important they see him on this Memorial Day, even from a side distance.

"I think it's out of respect. All those people that have given their lives for us, for freedom, I think it's important that they're remembered," Yutzie said.

Lapschies stays at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon. The home was an early hotspot for the coronavirus. As of last week, eight deaths have been reported there.

"We're lucky now that they can come out and get the opportunity to actually see him rather than through a window,” Yutzie said. "Hopefully sooner it'll be closer than that. We're ready to give hugs.

While the visiting conditions weren’t ideal, the family was just happy to spend time with him.

"Even through all this when he was sick, his smile was never gone," Yutzie said.