“The Last Word” is a novel about longevity and life. Mix in a generous helping of World War II storytelling, and you have Owen Trimbel, a character inspired from actual interviews who discovers in 2038 he has become the last surviving World War II veteran. This reality will likely occur sometime during the next decade, perhaps in the late 30s or slightly beyond. It's also an eventuality that has been a focus and motivation of mine for some time.
Why is this so important? Because World War II is an unparalleled event in human history. Those who remain and lived the experience will be the last we can question, who can share with us the give and take that is impossible to grasp through written or recorded material, especially by those of us who have benefitted all these years later through their efforts and sacrifices. The window is closing.
This brings me to Mr. Lawrence Brooks, who died last month at 112. Not only was he currently the oldest World War II veteran, he was likely the oldest individual in all of the United States when he passed. His is a story with many layers of complexity.
Lawrence served from 1941-1945 in the 91st Engineer Regiment, and at that time, the military was still segregated. As author Stephen Ambrose put it, the United States fought the world’s worst racist in Hitler, but did so with a segregated army. Lawrence left the South and was stationed in the South Pacific, in and around Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. While most engineering regiments built bridges and airstrips, Lawrence’s duties included cooking and driving around the white officers in the unit. He survived close calls––an emergency during an engine failure, and a near miss by a sniper. He returned to his native New Orleans after the war and was married.
There is more to Lawrence’s story. He was in his 90s when Hurricane Katrina robbed him of both his wife and his home. Somehow, he pushed on, and developed a new relationship, this time with the National WWII Museum right there in his home town. He did interviews, and for many years, was invited to the museum to celebrate birthdays. During COVID, a parade was arranged in his honor (N’awlins, after all) that marched down his street and past his house. At 110, he proudly watched from his porch.
He had five children, another five step-children, and dozens of grand and great-grandchildren who will miss him. Even at 112, he was sharp, interactive, and had a winning sense of humor.
Lawrence was asked countless times for his secret to a long life, and he always answered, “Be nice to people.” Advice for the ages from 112-year-old Lawrence Brooks.
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