Lawrence Brooks – True American Hero

by: Nina Ross
March 19, 2023

source: THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM

Lawrence Brooks was a veteran of World War II and an American hero. He was born on September 12, 1909, in Norwood, Louisiana, and he passed away on January 5, 2022, at the age of 112. Brooks was the oldest known living American World War II veteran, and he was a source of inspiration for many people around the world.

Brooks was drafted into the United States Army in 1940, just a few months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was assigned to the 91st Engineer Battalion, which was an African American unit that was based in New Guinea and the Philippines. Brooks served in the Pacific Theater for almost four years, and he participated in many of the major battles of the war, including the Battle of Luzon and the Battle of Okinawa.

Brooks was awarded several medals and honors for his service, including the Legion of Honor, the National Order of the Legion of Honor, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. He was also honored with a certificate of recognition from the Louisiana State Legislature in 2015 for his contributions to the state and the country.

After the war, Brooks returned to Louisiana and settled in New Orleans. He married Leona B. Brooks, and they had five children together. Brooks worked as a forklift operator at a local steel company for 32 years, and he was an active member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In recent years, Brooks became a beloved figure in the city of New Orleans. He was a regular participant in the city’s Veterans Day parades, and he was often invited to speak at local schools and events. He was also a frequent guest of honor at the National World War II Museum, where he shared his memories of the war with visitors from all over the world.

Brooks’ life was an inspiration to many people, not only because of his service to his country but also because of his positive attitude and his love for life. Despite the challenges that he faced during his long life, including poverty, discrimination, and the loss of loved ones, Brooks always remained optimistic and grateful for the blessings that he had.

In an interview with CNN in 2019, Brooks spoke about his philosophy of life. “I love people, I love to be around people, and I love to make them happy,” he said. “I try to be as positive as I can, and I try to help people whenever I can. That’s what keeps me going.”

Brooks’ positive attitude and his love for life were infectious, and they inspired many people to live their lives to the fullest. His passing was a great loss to his family, his friends, and the entire world, but his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Brooks was not only an inspiration to his fellow veterans and to the people of New Orleans, but he was also a symbol of hope and resilience for all Americans. He lived through some of the darkest days of our nation’s history, and he emerged from those experiences with a deep appreciation for the blessings of freedom and the power of human kindness.

In a world that is often divided by politics, race, and religion, Brooks’ life was a reminder that we are all part of one human family, and that we have the power to overcome our differences and work together for the common good. His legacy is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope and optimism.

In conclusion, Lawrence Brooks was a true American hero, and his life was a testament to the power of courage, perseverance, and love. He served his country with honor and distinction, and he inspired generations of Americans to live their lives with purpose and passion. His legacy will continue to inspire us all and to honor his memory by continuing to work towards a better world, one where we can all live together in peace, freedom, and mutual respect. As we reflect on Lawrence Brooks’ remarkable life and legacy, let us also remember the sacrifices and contributions of all the men and women who have served our country, and let us strive to build a future that is worthy of their sacrifice. Lawrence Brooks will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on as an inspiration to us all.

May we all learn from his example of resilience, positivity, and dedication to serving others, and may we continue to honor his memory by working towards a world that reflects the values he lived by. Lawrence Brooks’ legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations, and his impact on the world will continue to be felt for many years to come. We owe it to him and to all the heroes who have served our country to never forget their sacrifices and to strive for a better world, one that embodies the principles of freedom, equality, and justice for all. Lawrence Brooks will always be remembered as a true American hero, and his life will remain a shining example of the best that our country has to offer.