Mr. Lawrence Brook, the oldest living American World War II veteran and the oldest parishioner in the Diocese of Louisiana, turned 110 on September 12. There was a grand celebration to honor this now supercentenarian. The National World War II Museum threw a party with military honors, well wishes from Governor John Bel Edwards and other elected officials, and a ton of media attention. The Victory Belles sang the “Birthday Song.”
St. Luke’s, the parish where Mr. Brooks has been a faithful member, held an Evensong and party for him on September 13. The preacher at the Evensong was the Rt. Rev. Phoebe Roaf, her first time back to our diocese since becoming bishop of the Diocese of West Tennessee. During the party following the service, we were surprised with a video of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry wishing Mr. Brooks a happy birthday.