Nationwide — Lawrence Brooks, the oldest known World War II veteran from New Orleans, has turned 112-years old.The National WWII Museum organized a drive-by celebration last Sunday to honor Brooks with a Jeep parade and live performances from the Museum’s vocal trio, The Victory Belles, as well as other local musicians. It has been a yearly tradition but it was brought outside his home for the past 2 years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The City of New Orleans also issued an official proclamation recognizing Brooks’ birthday.
Brooks, who grew up in Norwood, Louisiana, served from 1940 to 1945 in the predominantly Black 91st Engineer Battalion, which was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines during the war.
Moreover, Brooks is a father to five children and five stepchildren.
Earlier this year, Brooks got his COVID-19 vaccine at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New Orleans.