Wardell Wince loves the number 4.

“I was born in 1934, one of four children, on the fourth day of the week,” said Wince, a retired member of the U.S. Marine Corps. And, “when I buy bananas, I only buy four.”

Last year, he decided to host a gathering for anyone born in 1934. It was a great success, he said, so he’ll try it again this year and continue for a total of four years.

“It was just something I wanted to do,” he said, ticking off important historical events that marked his birth year.

The year 1934 was a big year, especially for American crime, Wince noted. Among those shot were outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger and “Pretty Boy” Floyd.

If you goThe Babies of 1934 breakfast will be from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Saturday at American Legion Post No. 3 on Monroe Street. Anyone born in 1934 and their spouse or a guest is invited. Tickets are $6, and are available by calling Wardell Wince at 601-634-8602.Those who gather to celebrate their 1934 birthdays – and who turn 74 this year – also share the year with celebrities Hank Aaron, Sophia Loren, Alan Arkin, Judi Dench and Gloria Steinem.

Wince’s endeavor has reunited him with at least one classmate he used to walk to school with in fifth grade. But he missed about 20 people last year, he said, and hopes to catch them this time around.

Like many of those he is trying to reunite, Wince left Vicksburg but returned when he got older.

“Vicksburg is a retired person’s heaven,” he said.

This year’s 1934 celebration will be Saturday morning at the American Legion Post No. 3 on Monroe Street. Each participant may bring his or her spouse or a guest.