WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WKBW) — This isn't just any birthday for WWII Navy veteran Ed Kargul. It's his 100th birthday, and he is being honored by the VFW, American Legion, his family and friends.
"He served in the navy - Okinawa and Iwo Jima, and we are just so honored to be able to honor him on his hundredth birthday," said Dee Ippolito, a VFW member.
Tuesday's birthday parade first gathered at Gregor's Garden Grove, a one minute drive to Eden Heights Assisted Living Center, where Kargul lives.
"It's important to honor our elders and and the sacrifices that they did for us over the years. I mean you really need to honor your mother and father, your grandparents," said Patrick Penfold, who was taking part in the birthday parade.
"If we don't, the future generation is not going to know exactly what has happened in the past," said Steven Kemna, a member of Vietnam Veterans of America.
At two o'clock, people began to drive by Eden Heights to send Mr. Kargul their birthday wishes.
"He is a wonderful, wonderful man. He is just a pleasant person, will do anything for anybody and he has served his country so well and we just thank him for that," said Ippolito.
He was then presented with a plaque to remember this wonderful day.
