SHEEPSHEAD BAY — Brooklynite and veteran Boris Sirota commemorated his 100th birthday with a day of music, dancing, fun and festivities at the Bainbridge Adult Day Care Center, located at 3093 Ocean Avenue, on Monday, Nov. 18. 

While the event took place nine days after his actual birthday, the mood was “upbeat, moving and joyous,” according to Assemblymember William Colton (D-47), who presented Sirota with an assembly citation to mark the occasion. 

“We basically celebrated the history of the man,” Colton told the Brooklyn Eagle. “I first met Boris when he lived in my district. He has always been a leader in the community, and at 100 years old, he is still extremely active and alert.”

Sirota, who was born in Ukraine, fought for the allies in World War II. Among his achievements, Sirota participated in the liberation of Warsaw and the assault and capture of Berlin by allied forces. He was seriously wounded during his military service and spent more than six months in the hospital before returning to the military for further duty.

After the war, Sirota completed his education and taught mathematics in Ukraine. He emigrated to the United States in 1992. Sirota currently lives in south Brooklyn and has two sons, six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

“It’s part of the American dream, where people come here and get involved in our traditions and give us insights from other parts of the world, merging them all together into a melting pot,” Colton explained, adding that there is a lot of substance in the traditions that Sirota brought with him. 

“Centenarians have had so many experiences in life, and contain such a wealth of knowledge — and Boris is no exception.” 

Also in attendance at the gathering was Michael Novakhov (R-45), as well as a representative from the office of Alec Brook Krasny (R-46). 

The event was also celebrated in conjunction with the ribbon-cutting/opening of a new gym for the Bainbridge Center.