By Stephen Milligan – the Walton Tribune
Piedmont Walton marks birthday for local resident
Ogden Nash Saik was just coming to Piedmont Walton’s Outpatient Rehabilitation office for his usual Tuesday workout.
After all, at 99 years old and counting, staying healthy and active is vitally important, with his next birthday just around the corner.
He was not expecting a crowd of 50-plus people to happily wish him a happy birthday as Piedmont Walton threw him a surprise party in advance of his 100th birthday on Friday, Sept. 11.
“It’s almost overwhelming,” Saik said of the unexpected attention. “It is overwhelming. I feel special.”
Piedmont Walton staff were joined by local veterans, law enforcement officers and other dignitaries proud to wish Saik a happy birthday as he approaches his 100th year.
Monroe mayor John Howard read a proclamation from the Monroe City Council honoring Saik on his birthday, while Piedmont Walton CEO Blake Watts said they were pleased to be in Saik’s life as his go-to location for health and wellness needs.
“I appreciate all of you who could come here to help celebrate Mr. Saik’s birthday,” Watts said. “It’s an honor and privilege to share this moment with you.”
Saik said he was proud to be nearing his first century.
“I don’t want to brag, but we are the Greatest Generation,” Saik said with a twinkle in his eye. “I’ll never forget this, even though I may go on to 150 or so.”
Ogden Nash Saik was born on Sept. 11, 1926, in New Orleans, where he grew up and still lives for much of the year, spending his time in Monroe for most of hurricane season with his family in the area.
Growing up in the Great Depression, Saik said he was largely unaware of the worst ravages of the time as his family made do through much of the terrible time.
“I do remember, however, that my mother occasionally fed hungry drifters who came through the area,” Saik said. “Our lives were simple. Children generally made their own toys and found uncomplicated ways to entertain themselves, playing games such as kick the can or building scooters from old roller skates and pieces of wood.”
Saik remembers going to minor league baseball games and watching Tulane football games, walking to and from the stadium in New Orleans.
Saik joined the U.S. Navy when he only 17 on Feb. 22, 1944. Despite his weak eyesight, he was welcomed to the service and shipped out to San Diego for training before joining the fleet in the Pacific for the remainder of the war.
Saik has a host of war stories he can trot out on command, but was also happy to sit back, welcome birthday wishes and eat some cake.
He did take a moment, however, to thank everyone for their well-wishes and look to the future.
“I’ve had an overwhelming birthday celebration,” Saik said. “I’m glad to make 100 and plan to go on from here.”
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