Street renamed in honor of WWII veteran in Thomson

THOMSON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - On Thursday, a Thomson World War II veteran, who has been a pillar of the community, was recognized with a new street name.

Thomson City Council approved changing National Avenue to Louis Graziano Avenue.

We spoke with the people behind the name change, who told us more about Graziano and his impact.

It was a full council room with standing ovations to honor a legacy figure for Thomson.

Some say with all the worldwide recognition Master Sergeant Graziano received over the years, it only makes sense for him to leave a mark in Thomson.

It’s a win for the Graziano family, honoring what the Thomson community calls a symbol of the past.

Peggy Lovejoy, a family friend, put in the paperwork for the new name change.

“Tonight was the Pas de resistance, the icing on the cake. It’s done,” said Lovejoy.

Being the last living eyewitness of the formal surrender of ’s surrender in WWII, they say it is only the right thing to do.

“I knew because of his background. Being on Omaha Beach, third wave, Battle of the Bulge, severe frostbite, and the only living sort of viver that saw the articles of surrender sign that he was a piece of history. And that’s what I’ve always pushed,” said Lovejoy.

And with complete backing from the city, it’s a physical reminder of what Graziano means to Thomson’s history.

John Waller, Thomson city , said: “He’s been recognized by from America. He’s got citations from all over the world, but the city of Thomson had never done anything permanent for him. So, when the request came, it just seemed like it’s something whose time had come.”

It may be the biggest grin you might ever see from a 101-year-old.

Graziano’s legacy remains in Thomson for years to come right on the corner where he cut hair for so many years after witnessing history.

Thomson city leaders say they hope to have new signs made in the next 30 to 60 days.

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