SALIDA, Colo. (KDVR) – They must have sung the familiar song through the screen of a nursing home window, but that didn’t stop a group of veterans, family and friends from singing along a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday to You” Saturday in honor of one of Colorado’s last Pearl Harbor survivors.
George Blake turned 101 on January 29. He is recovering at Columbine Manor Care Center in Salida after falling and breaking his leg in November.
FOX31 viewers first heard about Blake last year when he embarked on a fundraiser in his small Colorado town. Ahead of his 100th birthday, he walked 100 to raise money for first responders and others suffering from COVID-19.
Blake was stationed in the army in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, when he heard the roar of approaching Japanese fighter planes. He survived the attack on Pearl Harbor that plunged the United States into World War II.
“And there was this great sound. It looked like planes were landing on a corrugated iron roof,” Blake told FOX31 last year, describing the attack.
“I suddenly realized that (the Americans killed) were all children. … 19, 20,” Blake said, choking back tears.
In his adopted hometown of Salida, Blake is a hero and frequently attends American Legion events. That’s why other veterans, parents and Salida Mayor Dan Shore showed up outside her retirement home window on Saturday with a colorful birthday banner and cake. They were hoping to have a bigger celebration, but pandemic restrictions prevented it. They also had to keep their distance, so they stayed outside during the party while Blake watched from his bedroom.
Friends asked Blake for his secret to living past 100.
“Don’t smoke,” he said. “But a little gin and tonic doesn’t hurt.”