James Ostler's family and friends celebrated his 100th birthday with a bagpiper on Sunday at his Arlington Heights home. "Let's do this again next year," the retired Army Air Corps major said to about 75 well-wishers who lined his street for the surprise celebration.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Retired U.S. Army Air Corps Maj. James P. Ostler Sr. received a surprise a century in the making Sunday when more than 70 of his family and friends appeared outside his Arlington Heights home to celebrate his 100th birthday.
The warm afternoon sun filled the neighborhood as well-wishers lined both sides of East Oakton Street waiting for the French Legion of Honor Award winner to make his appearance.
Ostler's daughter, Kathy Ostler Carmean of Arlington Heights, helped bring the B-17 navigator down his driveway while accompanied by a bagpiper.
The World War II veteran was in good spirits, waving to the crowd as they sung "Happy Birthday."
"Let's do this again next year," he said after the singing and cheering stopped.
The family originally planned to celebrate with long lost relatives from England, but that was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 75 of James Ostler's family and friends celebrated his 100th birthday with a bagpiper on Sunday at his Arlington Heights home. The Army veteran received the French Legion of Honor Award this past November for his service in World War II.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Retired U.S. Army Air Corps Maj. James P. Ostler Sr. of Arlington Heights is a decorated World War II veteran who received the French Legion of Honor Award this past November.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
About 75 of Jim Ostler's family and friends celebrated his 100th birthday with a bagpiper on Sunday at his Arlington Heights home. "Let's do this again next year," the retired Army Air Corps major said to about 75 well-wishers who lined his street for the surprise celebration.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
About 75 of James Ostler's family and friends celebrated his 100th birthday with a bagpiper on Sunday at his Arlington Heights home. The Army veteran received the French Legion of Honor Award this past November for his service in World War II.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com