SLO veteran honored on 100th birthday with patriotic procession, awards: ‘So moving’
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sgt. Elizabeth Ross celebrated her 100th birthday in San Luis Obispo in patriotic style during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
On Saturday, Ross’s daughter, Ellen Pezo, and her siblings surprised Ross and her family with a procession at Pezo’s home. Ross turns 100 on Tuesday.
About a dozen cars and motorcycles carrying American flags and “Happy Birthday” banners met at the SLO Swim Club parking lot before driving past Pezo’s home at 2 p.m. while sounding their horns.
Saturday’s birthday bash was organized by nonprofit group Welcome Home Military Heroes, which organizes welcome home events and other celebrations to honor military service members.
Ross served the Marine Corps in San Francisco from 1943 to 1945. She was responsible for recruiting new officers and equipment inventory, according to an invitation sent by Welcome Home Military Heroes.
“She proudly told us she never lost a vehicle!” Pezo, wrote in an email.
Following her service, Ross attended UC Berkeley on the GI Bill, according to Welcome Home Military Heroes.
After the procession, Ross’s fellow veterans presented her with several awards — including the Welcome Home Military Heroes Challenge Coin, the Beirut Veterans of America coin and a Welcome Home Military Heroes certificate.
Ross also received letters wishing her a happy birthday.
“Thank you very much,” Ross said to the presenters. “I don’t know how to thank you. (Thank you) with all of my heart.”
Saturday’s celebration concluded with a salute from veterans, including two of Ross’s family members. The vehicles then departed, honking their horns once again.
“Today was incredible,” Pezo told The Tribune. “So moving for the family.”
