In a heartfelt ceremony on Wednesday evening, Senator Bill Weber awarded WWII veteran Sidney Sachs a proclamation in celebration of his 100th birthday. The event, attended by guests, including family members, residents of Montebello Commons, members of the Jewish War Veterans, and personnel from the Ramapo Police Department, was a fitting tribute to a remarkable life.
Sen. Weber generously provided food and desserts for the gathering, which took place in a warm and festive atmosphere. During the ceremony, he congratulated Sidney Sachs and presented the official proclamation, which highlighted Sachs’s significant contributions and experiences.
In addition to the recognition from Sen. Weber, Sidney was also honored by Congressman Mike Lawler, Rockland County Executive Ed Day, and the Rockland County Legislature. These officials acknowledged Sidney’s extraordinary service and celebrated his milestone birthday.
The proclamation detailed Sidney’s early involvement with the Sons of Kingsbridge Jewish War Veterans at the age of fourteen, his service in the Army Air Corps during WWII, and his dedication as an aircraft mechanic in the Pacific Theater. Sidney’s service took him to New Caledonia, New Guinea, Guadalcanal, and several other significant locations during the war.
Post-war, Sidney continued his commitment to the community, becoming the Post Commander of the Kingsbridge Jewish War Veterans, where his father had also served as commander. Currently residing in Montebello, New York, Sidney remains an avid New York Mets fan, looking forward to attending a Mets home game at Citi Field in celebration of his milestone birthday.
Sidney Sachs enjoyed a long and happy marriage with his wife, Muriel, and is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The proclamation recognized Sidney’s contributions to his community and his role as a beloved figure, whose wisdom and love have enriched the lives of those around him.
In his proclamation, Sen. Weber emphasized the invaluable experience and knowledge that senior citizens like Sidney bring to society. He acknowledged Sidney’s contributions and his vital role in the community, celebrating a century of life filled with service, dedication, and love.
The full text of the proclamation is as follows:
Proclamation:
WHEREAS: Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today’s society; their past contributions and future participation are vital parts of, and valuable assets to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
Attendant to such concern, I, New York State Senator Bill Weber, am proud to congratulate Sidney Sachs upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th birthday; and
WHEREAS, Sidney was encouraged by his father to become a member of the Sons of Kingsbridge Jewish War Veterans, joining at the age of fourteen; and
WHEREAS, With the dream of being a pilot, Sidney enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December 1942; he took his basic training at Biloxi, Mississippi, passed the entrance exam and flew biplanes, but was reassigned because of eye trouble; and
WHEREAS, Although Sidney could not fulfill his dream, he followed the call to Gulfport, Mississippi to train as an aircraft mechanic; after training, he was shipped to the Pacific Theater, building and repairing roads, bridges, and airfields attached to the 873rd Engineer Aviation Battalion; and
WHEREAS, Sidney served in New Caledonia, New Guinea, Piak (Bougainville Island), Guadalcanal, Lyte, the invasion of Zamboanga, Sanga-Sanga, Okinawa, and reached the Japanese mainland on day two of the occupation; and
WHEREAS, At the end of the war, Sidney and his friends were transferred to Fort Dix, where they immediately figured out how they could get home to see their loved ones; his parents were overjoyed to see him, but he soon reported back to Fort Dix and fulfilled his military service; and
WHEREAS, As a Citizen-Soldier, Sidney once again became active in the Kingsbridge Jewish War Veterans, becoming Post Commander of the same post where his father was once commander; and
WHEREAS, Sidney currently resides in Montebello, New York; he is an avid New York Mets fan and told his daughter that he hopes to attend the Mets home game at Citi Field on his 100th birthday; and
WHEREAS, Sidney enjoyed a long and happy marriage to his wife, Muriel; they have three children, Pamela, Stuart, and Elliot, as well as six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Sidney Sachs has enriched the lives of those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others, and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which only comes from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
PROCLAIMED, That I, New York State Senator Bill Weber, congratulate Sidney Sachs upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th birthday; and be it further
PROCLAIMED, That a copy of this proclamation be transmitted to Sidney Sachs.
April 28, 2024
Senator Bill Weber