DI community honors, thanks WWII veteran on milestone Memorial Day Birthday
It was a sweet, homegrown surprise that took on a life of its own, outgrowing its original venue within moments of its conception. And it was as much a gift to the community looking to pay meaningful tribute on Memorial Day as it was to the guest of honor.
On May 16, Daniel Island resident Lisa Tonon issued a simple invitation on the Daniel Island Moms Facebook page. It welcomed island neighbors to stop by her home the afternoon of May 30 to sing “Happy Birthday” to her father, Alan Moskin, who happened to be turning 90 years old that day. And what made that milestone even more remarkable was that Alan is a World War II veteran, and May 30 happened to be Memorial Day.
Within minutes, scores of members of that Facebook group committed to the little celebration, and Tonon decided to move it to Smythe Park. She also submitted a Letter to the Editor for the next issue of the Daniel Island News, further extending the invitation to the greater community.
With the threat of rain looming over the holiday weekend, the festivities were moved to Pierce Park Pavilion. Publix of Daniel Island donated a huge sheet cake, and patriotic decorations – including an American flag, gold “9-0” balloons, and star-spangled wands for the kids – were set up by friends. And by 3 p.m., well over one hundred residents and friends packed the pavilion and waited with the butterflies that accompany the promise of a poignant surprise.
Alan Moskin arrived, and as the crowd sang, he was clearly moved by the “big reveal” of a community gathered to celebrate and salute him. Tonon introduced her extended family, shared some history about her father and his service, and wore her heart on her sleeve as she remarked how thankful she was for his care of his family… and service to his country.
Moskin then led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, “Star Spangled Banner,” and “God Bless America.” At the same time, the skies started to show blue, streams of sunlight began to pierce the clouds, and warm breezes carried voices young and old over the marsh. It was a powerful Memorial Day memory in the making - for Tonon, her hero father, their proud family, and the community of Daniel Island.