Drive-By Celebration for WWII Veteran’s 100th Birthday

The City of Somerville Veterans’ Services Department invites members of the public to join a drive-by birthday celebration to honor World War II veteran and 75-year Somerville resident Marvin H. Spitzer on his 100th birthday.

On Friday, February 26, members of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Somerville Police Department, and the Somerville Fire Department will lead a procession of friends, family, and other well-wishers past Mr. Spitzer’s residence in East Somerville. After the parade, in a private, socially distanced ceremony, Ted Louis-Jacques, director of Veterans’ Services, will present Mr. Spitzer with citations from the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, Governor Baker’s Office, the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the Massachusetts Senate, Mayor Curtatone’s Office, and the Somerville City Council.

Born and raised in Virginia, Mr. Spitzer spent four years in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving as a chef on the USS Murzim during World War II. He put down roots in Somerville in 1946 and worked as a master electrician in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Today, Mr. Spitzer is known as a proud great-grandfather, a gifted singer, and a generous neighbor who has prepared hundreds of Thanksgiving turkeys and birthday cakes for community meals over the years. The drive-by parade will be an opportunity to safely celebrate Mr. Spitzer’s milestone birthday and thank him for his lifelong commitment to service. 

“Congratulations to Mr. Spitzer on the celebration of this momentous birthday,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “While COVID-19 has made it difficult to celebrate big life events, I hope the drive-by parade of well-wishers brightens Mr. Spitzer’s day and shows how grateful we as a community are for his service in the military and his involvement in our community over the past 75 years.”

“This is an incredible milestone for Mr. Spitzer,” said Louis-Jacques. “Even the most challenging times cannot diminish our gratitude to his service and his family’s sacrifice. Our hearts will unite as we honor him. He paved the way forward for a new generation of soldiers to serve, and for that I will always be thankful.”

Anyone wishing to join the parade should meet at the La Quinta Inn parking lot, 23 Cummings Street, at 12:45 p.m. on Friday. In accordance with COVID-19 protocols, all parade participants will remain in their vehicles for the duration of the event. Questions may be directed to Ted Louis-Jacques at tjacques@somervillema.gov.