“100 year old World War II Veteran honored by Legislator Piccirillo and local Veterans”
Sayville resident and World War II Veteran, Edward Leber Jr. celebrated his 100th Birthday on Thursday. Local Veterans groups, family, friends, neighbors and Elected Officials gathered on the front lawn of his Sayville home to mark this tremendous occasion. Although Mr. Leber could not come outside for the ceremony; he was listening from an open window. “It’s not every day you get to honor a World War II hero on their 100th Birthday. I was really happy to be a part of the celebration” said Legislator Piccirillo.
Mr. Leber enlisted in the Army at the age of 22, where he would become a B-24 nose gunner as part of the Army Air Corps; and flew numerous missions over Western Europe. On his last mission, he was severely injured; permanently losing most of his vision and feeling on the left side of his body. When he returned home from the war he dedicated his life to giving back. He became the Director of Social Services for the Industrial Home from the Blind. “Edward has an amazing legacy of giving to our community and country; he really is an inspiration to all of us” added the Legislator.
The ceremony included a full color guard with a special WWII Veterans Flag, a reading of a proclamation from the Town of Islip by the Receiver of Taxes, Alexis Weik, and a presentation of a proclamation by Legislator Piccirillo. The ceremony also included the Sayville VFW Post 433 presenting the family a proclamation from the VFW, a proclamation from Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino and a letter from Senator Charles Schumer. “It was a great day to celebrate a man who is part of the greatest generation” said Piccirillo. The Ceremony concluded with everyone gathering by Edwards Window to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him.
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