Forrest Lewis celebrated his 100th birthday Aug. 31. Lewis, a Syracuse resident, is a World War II Navy veteran. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.
By Phoebe Muthart
Staff Writer
SYRACUSE — It’s not everyday someone turns 100 years old, but one Syracuse man got the surprise of a lifetime — or a decade, in his case.
Forrest Lewis is a U.S. Navy veteran. He turned 100 Wednesday, Aug. 31. Friends and family helped Lewis celebrate his monumental moment.
He served in World War II from 1942-1945. He recalled his time in the Navy on the U.S.S. Yorktown. He was a plane mechanic. He recalled when the ship sank 7 miles from San Francisco, Calif.
“It broke in two the next day,” he said.
As a surprise for his birthday, Lewis was honored with a drive-by parade of well wishers.
Also, the American Legion Wawasee Post 223 honor guard and American Legion Chapter 223 Riders, along with Syracuse police and fire departments, drove by his house as he sat outside.
Lewis had chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream for his birthday. He has two children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
“The good Lord has pushed me all the way and been with me,” he said. “He has blessed me in one way or another. I have good friends and the greatest neighbors.”
Syracuse Police Chief Jim Layne, left, shakes Forrest Lewis’ hand and wished him happy birthday. InkFreeNews by Phoebe Muthart.
Fire Chief Mickey Scott, left, wishes Forrest Lewis happy birthday Aug. 31. InkFreeNews by Phoebe Muthart.
Members of American Legion Wawasee Post 223 honor guard salute Forrest Lewis on his birthday. InkFreeNews by Phoebe Muthart.
Forrest Lewis of Syracuse was surprised with a drive-by parade in honor of his birthday Aug. 31. InkFreeNews by Phoebe Muthart.