CONDOLENCES FROM THE LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL To the family of Sam Sachs, We were so honored to have Sam live in Lakewood for the years that he did. He spoke at and attended city ceremonies for Memorial Day, Patriot Day and Veterans Day. He was a pleasure to know and to listen to, as he keenly remembered and told stories of his time serving and protecting our nation and world as a member of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division during World War II, including the D-Day invasion and liberation of Europe and Nazi concentration camps. Sam went on to serve our nation in peacetime as well, as an educator in Southern California for many decades. We were honored that our community of Lakewood was the place where Sam celebrated his very special 105th birthday. That birthday was made all the more special and challenging as it happened during the second month of the COVID pandemic, when health and safety restrictions and precautions were at their height. Our community…and indeed people from throughout the nation and world…rose to the challenge and honored Sam in every safe way that we could think of. That included a car parade from hundreds of local drivers, including dozens of classic cars, birthday cards and letters from over 6,000 people in Lakewood and beyond (including the President of the United States and California legislators), the national anthem sung by a member of the California Army National Guard, representatives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department, greetings from the City Council of Lakewood, and television coverage by every news station in Los Angeles. We all came together to honor Sam for his service and contributions to our nation, and to honor him as a representative of what has aptly been called the Greatest Generation. We thank you for sharing Sam with us for the years that he lived in Lakewood. He honored us with his presence and involvement in our community, and we were honored and privileged to have the opportunity to thank him in return. As one more tribute to Sam, we want to let you know that we will be adjourning at the end of our city council meeting this coming Tuesday night, March 22, in the memory of Sam. We know that you are grieving with the loss of Sam as your father, grandfather and family member. On behalf of the residents of Lakewood, we extend to you our very deepest sympathies. God bless you all, and God bless Sam. With deepest sympathies, THE LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL Mayor Jeff Wood Vice Mayor Steve Croft Council Member Ariel Pe Council Member Todd Rogers Council Member Vicki L. Stuckey