TOLLAND, Conn. — A local veteran who served in World War II in the Pacific was the guest of honor at his party in Tolland Sunday afternoon.
Friends and family members gathered around Robert Garabedian, also known as Bob, as they watched him blow out his birthday candles.
“We're celebrating my 100th birthday today and of course, I'm really delighted to have so many wonderful people who are here helping me to enjoy it and to celebrate it,” Garabedian said.
To others, it may have been just another day, but to him, it was a milestone.
“When I was younger, 18 years old, I didn't expect to live to be 19,” Garabedian said.
In his teenage years, he decided to serve his country in World War II and was determined to become a fighter pilot for the Army Air Corps.
“I was inspired by what they were doing over there in England and fighting off the Nazi invasion. And those people became my hero and I wanted to emulate them,” Garabedian said.
After putting in a lot of effort, going through training and passing tests, he finally got his wings and commission in December 1944.
“He was really proud of his military service. He didn't serve for very long because World War II ended right as he was finishing up,” Scott Gay, Garabedian’s grandson, said.
Garabedian said while he is fortunate to be alive, the most fortunate thing that has ever happened to him was meeting the love of his life.
“We got married, we were married for 72 years and we were very blessed by God and we had 12 children,” Garabedian said.
One of those children is Eileen Gay, who also coordinated the party for her dad.
“He's just a sweet person and he's very generous with his money. But with his heart, with his advice,” Eileen said.
Eileen and her son recalled some of the memories they shared with him.
“He can talk to anyone and make them laugh or share a poignant moment. So just a great storyteller,” Scott said.
Eileen said her dad took her and her siblings everywhere.
“We went to Montreal for Expo 67, Florida, New Hampshire,” Eileen said.
To this day, Garabedian is still active by exercising twice a week. He also participates in activities with the Colchester Veterans Honor Guard, a group that helps with funerals and provides honors to deceased veterans throughout the state.
Some members of the group were at his party.
“We're really proud to have him, have had him as a member and we still regard him as one of our active members,” Bob Kvederas, Colchester Veterans Honor Guard, said.
Garabedian said he appreciated the love and affection of his family and friends.
His birthday is on Wednesday and he said he hopes to live to be 110 years old.
Cayla Cade is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at ccade@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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