WWII veteran honored with street naming in Thomson

THOMSON, Ga. (WJBF)- A local World War II Veteran is getting a big honor from his hometown.

This is the very street named in honor of Luciano “Louis” C. Graziano after forging a path of service in the U.S. Army— named the last living eyewitness of Germany’s formal surrender.

To live 101 years, is quite the accomplishment. But nearly 80 years ago, Master Sergeant Louis Graziano was a part of history.

“What he did was so amazing, and he’s the only living survivor– now– of the surrender,” Ret. Marine Corp Major David Moore said.

As part of General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s staff, Graziano witnessed the German surrender that took place at the “Little Red Schoolhouse” in Reims, France in 1945. Today, he is the last survivor to witness that surrender.  And Thursday, Graziano had the chance to ride down the road that honors him and his accomplishments.

“Braver man than most– I would say– but to hear everyone just honor him and acknowledge him– in a small town like this, especially– means a lot,” Great-Grandson Gage Taylor said.

“That’s a great honor for them to do something like that for me…I feel great about everybody coming and celebrating with me. I think it’s a great honor,” Master Sergeant Luciano “Luis” C. Graziano said.

Graziano’s service in the war also included being at D-Day at Omaha Beach and rescuing a company of General George S. Patton’s troops during the battle of the Bulge. And Thursday morning, the community could not hold back their gratitude.

“He’s living the American dream since his parents were immigrants and he was born in New York– but when the country called, he went and he served…I thought it was just so appropriate to change ‘National Avenue’ to ‘Louis Graziano Avenue,’” Moore said.

Master Sergeant Graziano’s life is the example of what it means to be a member of your community and a citizen of the United States.

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