Hugh Sullivan got a surprise send-off from the community that left the 92-year-old World War II veteran teary-eyed on Friday.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Sullivan said. “It’s just unbelievable. Look at all those people over there and here and down there. I can’t imagine something like this.”
The community planned a car parade in front of his home to bid the retired Navy commander farewell before he moves to Texas today to live closer to family.
WWII vet gets surprise parade outside home. pic.twitter.com/oT8cBT5Zgb
— Owensboro Times (@OwensboroTimes) May 29, 2020
Neighbors lined the street in front of their homes to witness the parade as people drove by honking and waving while Sullivan saluted them.
“We thought we’d get together today and drive by his house and wave and holler and scream at him,” said long-time friend Louis Drawdy, retired Marine Master Sgt. “He’s always got a corny joke of some kind. I’m going to miss him.”
Family and friends said Sullivan has lived in Owensboro for more than 60 years and was active in the community through all sorts of local organizations such as the Boy Scotts and the VFW.
“He’s been nothing but amazing to me and all of our family, and I know he’s done a lot for this community,” said Sullivan’s grandson Stephen. “I’m excited to see them show him a little respect before he leaves.”
Jessie Hettinger, who was one of the organizers, said it was difficult for friends to be able to go by and see him because of the coronavirus, so the parade was a way to “let him know that he is loved.”
Sullivan said, “Kentucky will always have a place in my heart.”
