Parade Held To Celebrate Couple's Birthday Amid Coronavirus

LINDENHURST, NY — The coronavirus outbreak didn't stop the Lindenhurst community from celebrating the birthdays of a local couple this past weekend. Harvey Bittner turned 90-years-old on Sunday and his wife Peggy Bittner's 86th birthday is on Monday. Normally, the two celebrate with family, but unfortunately their plans had to be put on hold thanks to the coronavirus.

"As a family we always gather for dinner and cake but during this current situation we need to keep them safe," their daughter-in-law Lisa Bitter told Patch.

So in order to celebrate during the pandemic, their family and friends decided to set up a parade to drive by their home on Cedar Street.

"We were all excited to do something to show them how much we love and appreciate them," Lisa said. "They were very surprised and moved by the celebration."

About 20 family members and friends in 10 cars participated in the parade.

Harvey, a lifelong Lindenhurst resident and graduate of Lindenhurst High School, served in the navy in the Korean war. He later worked as a Lindenhurst Village police officer before becoming a detective for the Suffolk County First Precinct.

Watch a video from the parade below:

All photos and video courtesy of Lisa Bittner