Louisiana native Lawrence Brooks, the oldest known living World War II veteran, celebrated his 112th birthday Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at his home in Central City as residents gathered for a drive-by celebration hosted by the National World War II Museum. (Facebook)
CENTRAL CITY, La. (Tribune News Service) — The nation's oldest living World War II veteran now has another year under his belt.
Veteran and Louisiana native Lawrence Brooks celebrated his 112th birthday on Sunday at his home in Central City as residents gathered for a drive-by celebration hosted by the National World War II Museum.
The museum typically hosts an annual party for Brooks, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, the party was brought to his front door for the past two years.
This year's festivities included a live performance from the Museum's vocal trio, The Victory Belles, a Jeep parade and more entertainment from a collection of local New Orleans musicians. The City of New Orleans also recognized Brooks' birthday with an official proclamation.
Brooks grew up in Norwood and served in the Army between 1940 and 1945 with the predominately African American 91st Engineering Battalion, which was stationed during the in New Guinea and then the Philippines.
"Happy Birthday" messages for the veteran continued to pour in on social media, including a message from Gov. John Bel Edwards.
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