Community

What a happybirthday on May 22 for Joe Gritter of Arabi to turn 94 years old. Joe and his wife Catherine had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary May 14 earlier in the month. It has been quite for the WWII veteran isolated in his home because of the COVID-19. Gritter served our Nation building air strips in the Pacific theater fighting the Japanese as a Navy Sea Bee. Today, he still stands tall, has a grip of an iron-man, and loves to dance. His day began with phones call from many Military veterans from a retired Lt. Colonel in the National Guard Everett Bonner, Retired Navy fighter pilot Brian Hennessey, the director of JROTC at Chalmette High, and a call from the liaison of the Louisiana Army National Guard. Our Parish President Guy McInnis did a birthday shot-out as well to birthday boy. To show their admiration for Mr. Joe the neighbors has a special event sign group put up at happy birthday display in front of Joe’s home. Like Santa’s elves they did it late in the evening so it would be a surprise. Friday evening was a special time for the small community of neighbors on Pamela Court, Mr Joe’s birthday party social distancing style. Well, if you want to call it that. Several sets of chairs were set up for each family. The children had balloons and did like all kids at a party. The delicious chocolate cake from nearby Canseco’s Market was served on paper plates with plastic forks from the back of Joe’s son’s pick-up truck. It was real down home simple and sincere friendship. The highlight of the evening was the forties and fifties dance music that emanated from an SUV stereo. Mr Joe and the love of his life Miss Catherine showed the neighbors a step or two may be ten of some romantic dancing of an era long ago in the middle of the street. It was the dancing many GI’s did at the military clubs during the War. This was a beautiful experience for everyone and something never to forget. As we cherish the freedom of being American, remember without a Mr. Joe serving his Country, we would never know such liberty. Happy Birthday Mr. Joe and many more. Photo by Jimmy Delery