West Hartford American Legion, Bysiewicz Honor Centenarian

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A local veteran recently celebrated a very momentous occasion — 100 years of life, a life lived in service to his country.

On Aug. 26, members of the West Hartford-based Hayes-Velhage American Legion Post 96 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 96 attended a birthday party for Norman Bramley, a World War II veteran who turned 100 on Aug. 17.

The birthday party, planned by the Twilight Wish Foundation, which provides intergenerational celebrations for seniors, was assisted by members the local American Legion.

Auxiliary members Jenn McLeod, president, Jeanne Berry, vice president, and Elaine Kotler, historian, and all of Unit 96 gathered over 100 signed birthday cards from other auxiliary members, CT National Guard members and West Hartford residents for the occasion.

They also assisted with decorations and invitations to the party.

Heidi-Anne Mooney, commander of Post 96, presented Bramley with an honorary life membership to Post 96 and a new American Flag and Kotler read a poem at the party.

During a prior visit with Berry and Kotler visit, Bramley shared some memories and photos.

One photo was from 2007, when now Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz was part of a ceremony to honor veterans of World War II, of which Bramley attended.

At the time, Bysiewicz was secretary of the state.

Knowing there was a similar ceremony Sept. 21 honoring Vietnam veterans, Kotler reached out to Bysiewicz's office and asked if she would stop by Bramley’s home for a quick meet-and-greet on her way to the ceremony at Conard High School.

Bysiewicz obliged.

On her Facebook page she posted, “It was an honor to visit Norman Bramley before heading over to our West Hartford Vietnam Veterans Ceremony this evening. Mr. Bramley served as an Air Force pilot in the Philippines during WWII, and just celebrated his 100th birthday. Thank you so much for your service to West Hartford and our country, Norm.”