Martinez, CA (94553) – National Treasure Lost: Beloved D-Day Hero ‘Papa Jake’ Dies at 102 – TRIBUTES POUR IN

Martinez CA America Mourns a Hero The nation is paying heartfelt tribute to Papa Jake Larson the spirited D-Day veteran and TikTok storyteller whose warmth and bravery inspired millions Larson who passed away peacefully in his Martinez California home was Known for recounting his World War II experiences with youthful charm and unmatched clarity Papa Jake had become a viral sensation connecting generations to the sacrifices of the past Credit WWIIMemories Born in Minnesota in Larson joined the National Guard at and went on to become part of the historic Normandy landings But it was decades later with the help of social media that his story identified global resonance His TikTok account run with help from his great-granddaughter had over followers and millions of views Fans tuned in not only for war stories but for his humor resilience and life lessons Key Facts EMERGING Jake Larson passed away in Martinez CA on Sunday at age IMPACT Millions followed him major voice for WWII memory on TikTok OFFICIAL SOURCE He left us peacefully with love in his heart Family declaration ACTION Fans urged to share memories using PapaJakeLegacy Larson spent his final years spreading messages of courage and positivity visiting schools and participating in military memorials He in recent days attended the th anniversary of D-Day in France this June an event he called his final mission Veterans TikTok users and world leaders alike are honoring his legacy He was living history We didn t just lose a man we lost a voice of the Greatest Generation noted historian Jon Meacham Hyperlocal Impact Precise Location Martinez CA Near Alhambra High School where he once spoke to students Area Connection He reminded us that history isn t in books it s living breathing Tony Delgado owner Creekside Coffee Sole Angle WHY THIS MATTERS NOW Larson s death comes just weeks after he honored the fallen in Normandy His passing reawakens national focus on preserving WWII stories as veteran numbers dwindle Predicament Response IMMEDIATE INFORMATION Veterans History Project https www loc gov vets Mental Fitness for Veterans - - -TALK Press OFFICIAL GUIDANCE Record your veteran family stories Time is precious Sharon T Hill Director California Veterans Legacy Campaign Update Log PM Flags at half-staff ordered in Martinez for hours PM Larson s final TikTok hits million views PM Memorial function scheduled at VA Hall this Saturday