'This has done my heart good': Savannah motorcycle group celebrates local WWII veteran
The veteran, a legend among the Savannah motorcycle community, just recently turned 97.
The veteran, a legend among the Savannah motorcycle community, just recently turned 97.
The veteran, a legend among the Savannah motorcycle community, just recently turned 97.
The July 4 holiday is all about celebrating our country's independence and remembering the soldiers who bravely fought for our freedom all those years ago. Some take it as a chance, however, to also honor the veterans who are still here.
Carlos Antonio Lopez is a World War II veteran and legend among the Savannah motorcycle community.
"He became famous in the area because he was 85-years-old and purchased a brand new Harley Davidson," said Jorge Tupac with Riderz Savannah.
Lopez recently turned 97. Saturday, Riderz Savannah visited Lopez at his home to help him celebrate not only his birthday, but the holiday as well.
"A lot of the members, we've been in armed forces. We're vets as well, so we're going to support him," Tupac said.
Sadly, Lopez lost the ability to ride back in May due to a fall at his home.
The motorcycle group offered to bring Lopez to a nearby Harley Davidson on one of their bikes for a festival there, but Lopez wasn't up to it. As a result, riders stayed at Lopez' home to learn more about his past and exchange some stories and laughs.
"This was something to bring happiness. That's pretty much why we're here," said Madai Rodriguez, Riderz Savannah member and owner of Katrinas Mexican Grill and Patron Bar and Grill.
At the end of their visit Saturday, Lopez was all smiles as he ended the day with a renewed sense of community and added pride to be a United States veteran.
"This has done my heart good," Lopez said.