WATSONVILLE — She was a member of the British Land Army, and he was a pilot in the Canadian Royal Air Force, and when the two met during World War II, it was love at first sight.
Soon after the war ended in 1945, Floyd and Gloria Johnson married in Manchester, England, and were together for 72 years until Floyd’s death this year.
Gloria Johnson and her son Randy were among the dozen veterans at Applebee’s Thursday attending an annual lunch put on by Pajaro Valley Community Alliance, with support from the Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance and community members.
As a member of the Land Army, Gloria and other women filled the agricultural jobs that had been vacated as the men went to fight in the war.
Floyd flew 30 missions as a bomber pilot, and after his tour ended he returned to Canada. Yet, he loved Gloria so much that he requested a second tour just so he could be with her again in England, Randy Johnson said.
“He was my hero,” Gloria Johnson said.
Vic Marani of Pajaro Valley Community Alliance said the lunch is a way to give back and recognize local veterans from all branches of the military.
Organizers also partnered with Green Valley Cinemas, who will be providing tickets for the veterans to see the movie “Darkest Hour,” a film about Britain Prime Minister Winston Churchill during WWII.
“Today is about appreciating what they’ve done for our community and country,” Marani said.
He also gave credit to the Applebee’s staff and manager Frank Fuentez, saying they’ve been “great partners” over the years hosting the lunch.
Army veterans Henry Garcia and Fred Martinez were joined by Marine veteran Ed Perez in attending the lunch for the first time.
“I feel privileged,” Martinez said. “We are getting recognized and being treated really good by the community.”
