[DeanFL]

Last night President Trump honored 3 living American heroes from WWII during the SOTU speech. One of them, Irving Locker is a Village Santiago resident, was in the Gallery - and what an honor to read this news article in the Sun this morning. An American hero right here in TV. But, for sure, we have many heroes residing here. It was such a pleasure to read about Mr. Locker and his history.

For those who don't get the paper>


Trump salutes Villager in State of the Union
By David Collins, Daily Sun Associate Editor 2 hrs ago

President Donald Trump invited a resident of The Villages as one of his personal guests for Tuesday night’s State of the Union address to help him make a point about “the power of American pride.” And World War II veteran Irving Locker delivered. Upon being introduced by the president a few minutes into Trump’s speech before Congress, Locker sprang to his feet and pumped his right arm into the air repeatedly with a thumbs-up, beaming from ear to ear and drawing a roar of applause for him and the other two veterans Trump introduced.

“This year, America will recognize two important anniversaries that show us the majesty of America’s mission, and the power of American pride,” Trump said. “In June, we mark 75 years since the start of what General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the Great Crusade — the Allied liberation of Europe in World War II. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, 15,000 young American men jumped from the sky, and 60,000 more stormed in from the sea, to save our civilization from tyranny. Here with us tonight are three of those heroes: Private First Class Joseph Reilly, Staff Sergeant Irving Locker, and Sergeant Herman Zeitchik. Gentlemen, we salute you.”

Locker, a Village Santiago resident, and his fellow war heroes were seated in the same section as former astronaut Buzz Aldrin — also saluted by Trump — and just behind first lady Melania Trump.

Irving featured prominently in front-page articles in the Daily Sun last year commemorating the anniversary of D-Day and V-E Day celebrating Victory in Europe.

“Everybody had one thought: The long life we all figured we would have was going to be short and really fast,” Locker said last year about D-Day. “To be jumping into 5 feet of water, with rifles, full armor, grenades and people shooting at you at the same time — if you tripped, it was so top-heavy that if one of your men couldn’t help you, you’d drown. It was a terrible situation.”

“I’m so grateful to be alive after what I’ve gone through,” he said. “Ninety percent of my men are deaf or blind.”

Locker’s appearance at the State of the Union caught at least one family member off guard. Actor Mark L. Walberg, host of “Antiques Roadshow,” tweeted moments later: “watching #sotu and my Uncle, staff sargent Irving Locker! WWII vet. #americanhero.”

Locker quickly gained fans on Twitter, where users posted a video of the powerful moment playing on a loop.

“Staff Sgt. Irving Locker wins the SOTU,” said one user. p

“Staff sarg Irving locker rocks!” wrote another.

One young woman tweeted, “SSgt Irving Locker is CUTE AS A BUTTON!!!!!” followed by five smiley-faces covered in hearts.

Sorry, miss, he’s taken. Just last week the Daily Sun published an article about Locker and his wife, Bernice, celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary as part of a celebration at Savannah Center honoring couples married 50 years or longer. They took to the dance floor with another couple for “The Anniversary Waltz,” in honor of the longest married couples in the crowd of more than 260.

“Seeing our friends dancing and telling jokes always makes the evening a good time,” Irving told the Daily Sun.

“We’ve had 70 good years — 60 for me and 10 for Irving,” Bernice added.

[graciegirl]

Thank you sir, for your service. Our family honors you too.

[Bay Kid]

Thank you sir.

[VillageIdiots]

Saw online last night that he was a villager. I had a laugh because when I was watching and saw him jump up out if his chair and give an enthusiastic thumbs up, I said, wow as spry as he is, he must live in the villages! I didn't know how right I was.

[kilowatt]

Congratulations Mr. Locker and thanks for your service. Loved your enthusiasm at the State of the Union Speech, it was great!

[Taltarzac725]

Hats off to you sir and thank you for your service. My sister-in-law's father landed on Normandy around June 10, 1944. Unfortunately he passed around 2006. My uncle Bill landed at Anzio and lost a leg, arm and part of his skull to a German Panzer tree burst shell which killed six of the eight men in his squad.

[Aloha1]

Thank you for reminding us of the greatness of your generation.You honored us all with your salute.

[Shakerag Diva]

Wonderful story. It brought tears to my eyes.

[Nucky]

I definitely remember you. Positive and upbeat and you gave a Thumbs up when you got sprung from your chair like a man 50 years younger! Bless You and Thank You.