7-year-old Girl from Pennsylvania Delights Her 100-year-old ‘Best Friend’ on His Birthday in Newtown Twp., Bucks County

Bucks County Man Celebrates 100th Birthday in Style

On a memorable Friday, Joe Gagliardi, a resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, celebrated his 100th birthday. But this wasn’t just any celebration, it was a grand event organized by his 7-year-old best friend, Layla Leuthy Peck.

A Special Arrival For The Centenarian Birthday

Layla ensured the birthday, a significant milestone, was unforgettable. She arrived at Joe’s home in a Newtown Township Fire truck, complete with blaring sirens and horns, making it a party like no other.

“We’re both the same age,” joked the now 100-year-old Joe, adding a dash of humor to the day’s festivities. Despite the 93-year age gap, the unique friendship between Layla and Joe has been blossoming since she was a baby.

Celebrating A World War II Veteran

Joe is not just a centenarian; he’s also a World War II veteran. His birthday celebration was marked by the receipt of a flag flown in his honor over the capital building in Washington D.C.

The Newtown Fire and Police departments turned out in large numbers to honor the veteran. Among them was Layla’s dad, Sean Peck, a Penndel policeman who grew up in the same neighborhood as Joe. “I always listened to Joe’s stories as a veteran and that encouraged me to join the Army,” revealed Peck.

A Touching Tribute From Young Friends

The highlight of the day was the presentation of 100 handmade birthday cards, a thoughtful gesture from Layla and her first-grade classmates at St. Andrew’s Catholic School in Newtown. “I thought, ‘Since he’s turning 100 maybe we should make him 100 cards,’ because he’s a good person! We made 100 cards, the whole first grade did,” shared Layla.

Through his exemplary life of service and sacrifice, Joe now serves as a model for the younger generation, including his young friend, Layla.