Message from a 102-Year-Old Veteran on Independence Day
A 102-year-old World War II veteran, who stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, shared a heartfelt message for Americans this July 4th.
Jake Larson reflected on what the day means, saying it’s a time for gratitude for being a citizen of the United States. “When July 4th comes around, we all think about how fortunate we are in this country. It doesn’t matter where you came from; we’re all Americans,” he told a news outlet.
A recent poll suggested that Republicans feel prouder to be American this year. Interestingly, even with a slight dip in pride during Democratic presidencies, Republican pride in America has remained steady.
Larson, who hails from Owatonna, Minnesota, but now resides in Lafayette, California, enlisted in the Minnesota State Guard when he was just 15, keeping his age a secret. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, his unit became part of the U.S. Army, and he was dispatched to Europe, according to the U.S. Veterans Center.
He played a crucial role in the preparations for D-Day, which occurred on June 6, 1944, and was among the first waves to land at Omaha Beach. His responsibilities in that perilous situation included setting up an operational command post. In an interview set to air in 2024, Larson recounted the harrowing experiences he and his fellow soldiers faced.
“I just came from the infantry and was part of the D-Day plan. Not only did I participate in it, but I landed on Omaha Beach and took charge that night,” Larson shared with the news outlet as he reflected on his duties during the Battle of the Bulge.
On June 6, 2019, Larson, the last surviving member of his unit, returned to Omaha Beach to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
During an interview on the beach, he noted, “The ocean here is sunny now, but it was bloody—just think about it. War is hell.”
In a recent chat with the news outlet, Larson expressed deep appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives. “Their souls are looking down at me now. Every time I speak, I want to remind people that they are heroes. I’m just someone who was there,” he concluded.
