U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the Senate floor to honor Mary Nugent, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran from Louisiana who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday.
During his remarks, Cassidy highlighted Nugent’s lifelong commitment to service and faith. “I’m told Mrs. Nugent still greets people with a warm smile and has a deep appreciation for nature. Perhaps her habit of looking for the good in everything and everyone is the secret to a long life,” said Dr. Cassidy.
Cassidy also recounted details from Nugent’s life, noting that she was born near Libuse, Louisiana, where she grew up working on her family farm before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In addition to building planes at a bomber plant and serving as a parachute rigger, she later contributed to veterans’ care by working at Pineville Veterans Hospital’s tuberculosis unit and at an Alexandria Veterans Affairs office.
The senator further recognized her ongoing positive outlook and strong faith as a member of Calvary Baptist Church: “Mary’s faith is strong, and she still wakes up every day with a smile and words of thanksgiving.”
“Mary, thank you for your service to our country and state—you’ve made Louisiana and our country a better place for 102 years. You inspire, you bless, you make Louisiana proud. Happy birthday!” concluded Dr. Cassidy.
