Final Salute

The cycle of life has once again moved forward with the passing of a very honorable man. The King James Bible in the verse Ecclesiastes 3:2 says “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted gives us a thought about life.” That time has come for our friend, Joe Gritter of Arabi.

Joe was big in stature and had a hand shake like Hercules. He, like many very young men, joined the Navy to serve our country during World War II as a Navy Seabee. He helped to build the Pacific Island airstrips that led to victory over Japan. He mentioned one day, the Seabee unit he was with built the base for one of the most famous airplanes the Enola Gay.

As with many returning veterans, Joe found work back home. In time, a little romance began with a young lady named Catherine Howorka. They soon married and raised nine children in Arabi. His job at Kaiser Aluminum kept him a paycheck. You can imagine the task of him and wife raising such a large family. As a couple they had a special bond and a favorite activity dancing. If you needed Joe, it was easy to find him at a dance hall. Even at the age of 95, he was still going dancing on Sunday at Lacy’s Cue.

A gift that seemed to exude from his big smile was the ability to accept life. His whole neighborhood helped celebrate his birthday in 2020 with a street party and dance during the first year COVID. Joe was in his prime dancing with his lady Catherine in the middle of the street with a boombox piping some good old tunes.

The most sad day of Joe’s life came in June 2021 with the passing of his true love Catherine, his wife of 66 years. Those who knew Joe, understood the pain of his broken heart. In French, there is an expression of character he so exhibited his “joie de vivre” which seemed to help the pain.

Heaven is his new home, Catherine is by his side, dancing is allowed, and together they will share eternal peace with God. Joe you will be missed but rest assure not forgotten. May peace and love bless the Gritter family.

As old man time ticks the seconds away, we must remember to celebrate the gift of freedom in America. The greatest generation paid with life and limb for the victory against the Nazi and Japan in World War II. In today’s world, many forget the debt all of us owe to those who are still alive from serving our nation during the War of Wars. Freedom and democracy are not cheap and you do not buy it once. Daily young men and women proudly serve this nation and the free world. There should never be a day that as Americans we do honor this sacrifice. Next time you see someone in a military uniform, be sure to tell them thank you. As soldiers stand tall for America, we must stand tall as we pledge allegiance to the symbol of freedom, our American flag. May God Bless America for all time.