A heartwarming tribute to a World War II veteran took place in Newtown Township on Friday as 7-year-old Layla Leuthy Peck delivered a special birthday surprise to Joseph Gagliardi on his 100th birthday.
Accompanied by an escort from Newtown Fire Rescue and Newtown Township Police Department, Layla, the daughter of a Penndel Borough police officer, arrived on a fire truck to surprise Gagliardi.
The young girl, inspired by a message from Monsignor Michael Picard, presented Gagliardi with 100 handmade cards from her first-grade classmates at St. Andrew’s Catholic School.
Gagliardi served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and notably on the PT boat that escorted Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines. He also saw John F. Kennedy Jr. during his service.
Retiring at the age of 96 from his last job, Gagliardi’s recent health challenges, including a heart attack in June, necessitated moving in with his daughter in Newtown Township for continuous care.
Layla’s connection to Gagliardi is personal, with her father knowing him and her grandmother being friends with the veteran.
In her visits to Gagliardi during his recovery from the heart attack, Layla has made him cards, sung for him, and danced.
With emergency responders providing the escort, Layla surprised Gagliardi on Friday afternoon as he sat outside to get some fresh air.
Layla knows that Gagliardi is always looking for good in the world, savoring each positive news story he can find.
Friday’s surprise was captured by a 6abc TV crew.
“I really hope other kids will start writing cards and give them to veterans,” said Layla.
