Rename the Lafayette VA to Honor D-Day Hero ‘Papa Jake’ Larson


Rename the Lafayette VA to Honor D-Day Hero ‘Papa Jake’ Larson
The Issue
Jake “Papa Jake” Larson survived Omaha Beach on D-Day, fought through the Battle of the Bulge, and dedicated his final years to honoring those who never came home.
He wasn’t just a veteran—he was a voice for his fallen brothers, a beacon for millions on TikTok, and a living connection to the sacrifices that built the world we live in today.
Papa Jake passed away on July 17 at 102 years old. He was still telling jokes, sharing stories, and reminding all of us that freedom isn’t free.
Now, it’s our turn to honor him.
We’re calling on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to rename the Lafayette VA Medical Center in California the Papa Jake Larson VA Medical Center. It’s where he received care, lived nearby, and inspired a new generation to remember what so many have forgotten.
He said it best himself: “We are the lucky ones.”
Let’s make sure future generations remember why.
Sign this petition to help preserve Papa Jake’s legacy in the place that served him, and so many others like him.
[Photo Credit: (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)]
32
The Issue
Jake “Papa Jake” Larson survived Omaha Beach on D-Day, fought through the Battle of the Bulge, and dedicated his final years to honoring those who never came home.
He wasn’t just a veteran—he was a voice for his fallen brothers, a beacon for millions on TikTok, and a living connection to the sacrifices that built the world we live in today.
Papa Jake passed away on July 17 at 102 years old. He was still telling jokes, sharing stories, and reminding all of us that freedom isn’t free.
Now, it’s our turn to honor him.
We’re calling on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to rename the Lafayette VA Medical Center in California the Papa Jake Larson VA Medical Center. It’s where he received care, lived nearby, and inspired a new generation to remember what so many have forgotten.
He said it best himself: “We are the lucky ones.”
Let’s make sure future generations remember why.
Sign this petition to help preserve Papa Jake’s legacy in the place that served him, and so many others like him.
[Photo Credit: (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)]
32
Petition created on July 21, 2025
