Today our walk was dedicated in honor of :
Remembering Army Veteran Charles Edward Lauzon
Today, it was a great honor to walk in memory of Army Veteran Charles Edward Lauzon, a man who served his country, served his community, and whose life left an important legacy that deserves to be remembered.
Charles Edward Lauzon was born on October 2, 1918, in New York to Charles Lauzon, a World War I veteran, and Martha Mertz (Elizabeth). Charles grew up in Queens, New York, where he would eventually make his home and build his life.
In 1940, Charles answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. He served during the World War II era, remaining in the Army until 1947. During his military years, Charles also worked on the Alaska Highway, contributing to an important wartime effort in the north.
On February 25, 1945, Charles married Hazel Cato, who was also a United States Army veteran and a member of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). Together, Charles and Hazel shared a life shaped by service, sacrifice, and their commitment to their country.
After World War II, Charles returned home to Queens. He continued his life of service by becoming a police officer, dedicating himself to protecting and serving the community he called home.
Sadly, Charles’ life was cut short. On May 2, 1963, at the age of 44, Charles Edward Lauzon died tragically in a car accident.
Today, decades later, we made sure that his service and sacrifice were not forgotten.
It was a great honor to walk 5.65 miles with this hero. During our walk, we traveled along West Avenue, passing by the police station, a fitting reminder of Charles’ years of service as a police officer. We then stopped at Veterans Memorial Park before making our way back home.
I would like to give a very special thank-you to one of Charles’ family members, Donna, for walking with us and helping honor Charles today. I also want to thank my friend Candy for helping us honor this hero.
And a special thank-you goes to Fallen Hero SGT James Wilson Jr. for helping us honor Charles today as well.
Together, we recorded 311 honks in Charles’ honor.
The weather was perfect, the walk was amazing, and most importantly, we took the time to remember a man whose life was dedicated to service.
Charles Edward Lauzon served his country as an Army veteran and later served his community as a police officer. His life reminds us that service does not always end when a uniform is put away. For Charles, serving others continued long after his military service was over.
Today, we walked to make sure his name is remembered.
We will never forget Army Veteran Charles Edward Lauzon.
Rest in peace, Charles. Your service mattered. Your life mattered. And you will never be forgotten.
