Shares birthday with the U.S.A. — July Fourth
All four sons of Archie Moczygemba (seated) attended the festivities on July 4 when he turned 101, including Bill Moczygemba (left), Richard Moczygemba, James Moczygemba; and (seated) Gerry Moczygemba.
A Archie Moczygemba rests at his Taylor home during his 101st birthday celebration July 4.
s the nation celebrated its 249th birthday last week, a Taylor veteran who served his country for many decades turned 101—surrounded by more than a dozen family members from across Texas.
“It was quite an occasion,” said Archie Moczygemba, who was born July 4, 1924, in Kosciusko, a small community in Wilson County founded by German and Polish settlers. “Not too many of us live to be this old, so I think it’s a pretty good celebration.”
Little sister Olivia “Ollie” Sobeczek, 89, who hails from San Antonio, also made the drive to visit Moczygemba, along with all four of his sons, three grandsons and their wives, as well as great-granddaughter Maci Moczygemba, 9 — who even baked some patriotic cookies for the occasion.
“I like the baking and the eating,” said the fourth grader.
Though Archie Moczygemba has been featured in numerous media outlets and received myriad honors, Maci said what she really likes about the centenarian is, “That he is 101-years-old and served in World War II.”
Moczygemba, a former Marine and also a soldier, served in the occupation of Nagasaki, Japan, in the aftermath of the dropping of the atomic bomb, as well as two tours of Korea during the Korean war.
“I went to Nagasaki right after the bomb was dropped,” said Moczygemba, who will be featured in the documentary “Atomic Echoes,” which will air on PBS beginning next month.
Richard Moczygemba, Archie’s second-oldest son, said his dad never ceases to amaze him.
“He inspires me,” the son said. “He was able to do almost anything with almost nothing. If anything didn’t work, he would make it work.”
Still, Archie Moczygemba said things have been quieter than last year, when he was honored with a special day by Williamson County for his 100th birthday — and his decades of military service.
“I live a very sedentary life,” he said. “I still like to read. I like to read adventure stories. I like history.”
Nonetheless, Moczygemba, who has a reputation as a prankster, said he is still dreaming up some new ways to get “in trouble.”
“Right now, they have got me grounded,” he said with a smile. “I don’t have any automobile, but I am getting ready to get one of my trucks back.”
Nonetheless, the veteran said he is grateful for his “varied life” and looks forward to what is still to come.
“I have appreciated the experiences I have had, both good, bad and indifferent,” Moczygemba said. “And I am not ready to give it up.”
