Veteran’s 97th birthday his best

Robert Quinn, a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient, gets some help blowing out a birthday candle for his birthday from Beverly Lafferty, the Hospice director of volunteer services, left, as Linda Wilber, top, looks on during Quinn’s 97th birthday party at the Hospice of Marion County Elliott Center in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, March 25, 2021. The birthday party, that was organized by Lafferty, the Hospice director of volunteer services, was a complete surprise to Quinn and was attended by many veterans who honored him for his service. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

Home » Community

Posted March 31, 2021 | By Lisa McGinnes, Ocala Gazette

Last year, Robert Quinn spent his 96th birthday alone.

The U.S. Marine veteran has no family in the area.

When Beverly Lafferty heard the story, she vowed not to let Quinn celebrate alone this year.

On March 25, they held a surprise party for Quinn, complete with Marine honors and nearly 30 people.

Hosted by Hospice of Marion County, where Lafferty works, Quinn entered the Elliot Center flanked by a couple of Marines. He was met with a roar of applause.

“We would do anything we can for the veterans in the county, especially because he’s a Marine, he’s one of our fellow brothers,” said Kathy Prieto, one of the staff sergeants that escorted Quinn.

She said she was honored to be part of the celebration.

“In the Marine Corps, we always look out for each other,” said Johnathan Perez, the second escort. “It’s always a legacy of love.”

Quinn served in World War II with the 2nd Marine Division. As a private first class, he served in the Pacific and fought in the Battle of Tarawa in 1943. The battle was the first step in the central Pacific campaign. After a 76-hour battle that killed almost 6,400 people, the U.S. won a foothold in the region that would allow for further invasions toward the ultimate defeat of the Japanese.

In 1944, Quinn was wounded by shrapnel in the Battle of Saipan. He was awarded a Purple Heart.

On March 25, he was presented with an honored veteran pin, a certificate of special tribute from Hospice of Marion County and the Hospice-Veteran Partnership of Florida and a certificate of recognition from American Legion Post 354.

After listening to a rendition of the “The Marines’ Hymn” and following salutes from the veterans and servicemembers in the room, Quinn blew out the candle on his birthday cupcake.

“It gives us great honor to say, ‘happy birthday,’” said Lafferty. “You are an honored veteran and we appreciate you and thank you for your service to our country.”

Quinn also was presented with a Marine Corps Christmas ornament from the Blue Star Mothers and a challenge coin from the On Top of the World Veterans Club.

When he opened the gift of a World War II Veteran cap, he immediately placed it on his head with a big smile.

“This is the best birthday I’ve had in 97 years,” he said.