Roscoe, Ill. – On Veterans Day 2026, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Color Guard gathered at NorthPointe Terrace to honor a remarkable member of the community: 102‑year‑old Lawrence Cox. Cox enlisted in the United States Navy on his 18th birthday in 1942, served as an aviator during World War II, and later joined the United States Coast Guard, retiring as a commander.
The ceremony featured the traditional presentation of a United States flag and a keepsake coin. Cox’s daughter, Susan Varland, described her father’s reaction as “a little overwhelmed” and noted that the salute and the beautiful coin brought tears to her eyes.
“It’s been so nice to have people really be supporting veterans,” Varland said. “He is at the end of this group of World War II soldiers. There are not many left and kind of a special, I think, this year.”
Varland emphasized the broader significance of Veterans Day, calling it a time for reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought for the freedoms Americans enjoy today. “Veterans Day is important. It is a day of remembrance and it’s extremely valuable to think back on the history. Yes, we remember the people who fought so hard for the situation that we find ourselves in now,” she explained. “It’s really, really important for kids to be taught that. It’s hard when you haven’t had that sacrifice yourself to understand and what it was like. And so to be reminded every year on Veterans Day, I just think it’s pretty special.”
Community Support for Seniors and Veterans
The event highlighted the strong ties between Roscoe’s veterans and the broader community. Local businesses and volunteers helped organize the ceremony, ensuring that Cox received the recognition he deserves. The VFW Color Guard’s presence underscored the organization’s ongoing commitment to honoring those who served, especially as the number of World War II veterans dwindles.
Roscoe residents expressed pride in the town’s dedication to preserving the memory of its elders. Many attendees shared stories of their own family members who served, reinforcing the intergenerational respect that defines the community’s approach to veteran affairs.
Lawrence Cox, who has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War era, and the modern digital age, remains a living testament to the resilience and dedication of the Greatest Generation. His life story serves as an educational touchstone for younger generations, reminding them of the sacrifices that secured the nation’s liberty.
The VFW plans to continue its outreach efforts throughout the year, with additional events aimed at supporting veterans’ health, housing, and social needs. By keeping the stories of veterans like Cox in the public eye, the organization hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for the freedoms enjoyed today.
Original reporting: WIFR Rockford News First (local) — read the source article.
