CHARLOTTE- 79 years ago on June sixth, 1944, history was made in Normandy on D-Day.
Proud family and friends gathered together to honor 99 year old Suncoast WWII veteran, George Fotovich, with a pinning ceremony.
He says seeing everyone come together means so much to him.
“I didn’t expect anything like this,” said Fotovich.
George was one of the men who jumped into France during the allied forces’ massive invasion of the Normandy Beaches.
To thank him for what he’s done, a Tidewell Hospice veteran volunteer placed an honorary pin on George.
“He did serve in World War II as part of the 82nd airborne in the army and he got to paratroop into Normandy on D-Day. So this is our way of saying thank you to him and for his service,” said Tidewell Hospice social worker, Ellen Long.
George was just 20 years old when he fought in WWII.
“We fought and we won the war. I never thought about growing old,” said Fotovich.
He was moved when he found out about Tidewell’s veteran pinning program.
“I can tell that this means a lot to him. He was very excited when I brought up the program, the veteran pinning program. I was like, ‘do you want to do this?’ and he was very excited and on board,” said Long.
Dozens of people attended and enjoyed a personalized ‘George’ cake before leaving.
“Everybody is so excited for him and so happy and honored that we can honor him in this way.”
George is turning 100 years old next month.
Tidewell Hospice says big birthday plans are in the works.
Also at the ceremony was George’s nephew who did a commemorative jump into France wearing the same uniform.
