Community Corner
West Los Angeles Veterans Home Celebrates Army’s 238th Birthday
103-year-old World War II veteran Bea Cohen cuts the Army's ceremonial birthday cake.
Supporters gathered in front of the West Los Angeles Veterans Home Friday morning to celebrate the 238th birthday of the U.S. Army. Guest speakers and veterans of all ages commemorated the oldest branch of the armed forces, which is older than the nation it defends, with a barbecue and an Army birthday cake.
“I salute each and every one of you for the service you have given to our nation," said Zev Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles county supervisor, 3rd district. "When our country called on you, you responded. Our challenge now as a nation especially to returning veterans is when you call on us, on our country, it’s our responsibility to answer your call.”
Anniversaries of the Korean War, Vietnam War, the all-volunteer force and Flag Day were also commemorated at today’s event. The event’s backdrop, the West Los Angeles Veterans Home located near the the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, houses nearly 400 veterans with assisted living and nursing care.
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Bea Cohen, 103, World War II veteran and the oldest living female veteran in the state, participated by cutting the ceremonial birthday cake with Ana Moreno, 20, the youngest soldier in the 387th company.
“I was always out of step for the military marches, said Cohen. “We were in heels back then too. My commander would always say ‘Hey Bea, you’re out of step again.’” Cohen said.
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A living example of the idealized “Rosie the Riveter,” Cohen first worked as a riveter working on parts for airplanes for the Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica before joining the army. As a Romanian immigrant, she wanted to give back to the country that gave her so much, she said.
“Today is our birthday," said keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Megan Tatu. "The Army birthday is a day to celebrate 238 years of steadfast service to our nation. Our Army, defenders of the constitution, has and will remain vigilant and adhere to the challenges of an uncertain future. America’s greatest generations are built on the strength of America’s strongest citizens: its soldiers.”
Also in attendance Friday were members of American Legion Post 283 of Pacific Palisades and Post 43 from Hollywood.
