Watch CBS News

Drive-By Birthday Party Held For 95-Year-Old WWII Veteran In Allegheny Co.

SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) -- He is one of the last surviving combat veterans of World War II.

This weekend, Bernie Hoffman turned 95 years old. He was given a COVID celebration -- military style.

Hoffman is a member of the greatest generation and a decorated World War II combat veteran.

BERNIE HOFFMAN
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

And at 95, Hoffman is having a hard time understanding a birthday with coronavirus restrictions.

"Everybody's wearing a mask. How are you gonna recognize me without my mask?" Hoffman said.

Mask or not, Hoffman had a birthday fitting for a Marine who saw action in Guam, the Marshall Islands and Okinawa — where he earned a Purple Heart.

This weekend, he was saluted with a parade. The parade featured a color guard and some grand old memories.

He is truly one of the few, the proud. But he finds it hard to accept the honor. It seemed like the parade would never end, with cars continuing to keep coming.

For Hoffman, a tribute like this was a long time coming -- 95 years to be exact.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.