Oldest known WWII veteran celebrates his 112th birthday

(CNN) – The oldest known World War II veteran celebrated his 112th birthday with a socially estranged celebration and drive at his New Orleans home on Sunday.

According to a statement from the National WWII Museum, Lawrence Brooks was honored on his birthday, September 12, with a parade of jeeps, a cake, and performances by the Museum’s “Victory Belles,” as well as other local musicians. .

Brooks served in the mostly African-American 91st Engineer Battalion, which was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines during the war, the statement said. He is the father of five children and five stepchildren.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards tweeted a birthday message Sunday thanking Brooks for his service.

“Happy 112th Birthday to Mr. Lawrence Brooks, America’s oldest WWII veteran and a proud Louisiana resident. Mr. Brooks, the entire state of Louisiana thanks you for your service and we all wish you a happy birthday.” Edwards said.

In addition, the city of New Orleans issued an official proclamation of recognition of Brooks’ historic birthday, according to the museum.