WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday in quarantine with surprise parade: 'Meant so much'

A World War II veteran celebrated his 100th birthday in quarantine with the help of his family and some local police and fire departments.

Edward “Eddie” Carlow, who served as a medic in the U.S. Air Force, was treated to a surprise drive-by parade as he turned the big 1-0-0 on May 11 at his home in Hamden, Conn.

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Footage of the heartwarming event was shared on the Hamden Police Department’s Facebook page.

The centenarian was surrounded by his caregiver and his socially-distanced loved ones, including his granddaughter, Marla Friedson, who shared photos and videos of the special event on Instagram.

“My favorite person in the world is a century old today!” Friedson wrote. “While our family celebration couldn’t be what we had hoped for, being all together (while staying 6 feet a part) still meant so much.”

Additionally, Carlow was given a proclamation by the office of the mayor to commemorate his birthday and his service to the country, Friedson told In The Know.

Credit: Supplied

During his time in the Air Force, Carlow “contributed a great deal” to the United Service Organizations (USO) through his saxophone performances, and by writing music that was subsequently published by the Radio Corporation of America, his granddaughter noted.

One of the songs he wrote was for a woman named Blossom, who he met during a USO Jewish center dance — the two went on to tie the knot and shared 70 years of marriage together before she passed away in 2016.

Credit: Supplied

In the early 1950s, Carlow opened his own business, Atlantic Electric Supply Company Inc., in New Haven, Conn. About ten years later, his business relocated to Hamden. During his 50 years in business, he furnished many companies in the New Haven area with wiring and supplies, including the New Haven Railroad.

If you liked this story, check out this 100-year-old veteran who raised $37.8M for the National Health Service.

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