It was spring of 1943 when college graduate Peter Block enlisted in the Army AirCorps. 

 

He became a pilot and was assigned overseas duty. Before heading to Europe Lieutenant Peter was given a short leave.  He flew a small transport to Floyd Bennett army Field in Brooklyn very  near his home. He spent a few hours with his beloved family in Flatbush. 

 

As he was leaving Peter gave his seventeen year old kid brother Henry a hug and said “Go up to the roof and wait for me. I’ll fly over.”

 

Henry went to the roof. Waited. He heard, then saw the plane. When it was directly overhead the wings tipped, then tipped again in a goodbye wave.

 

It was Peter’s last farewell to Henry.  Weeks later, word came, Peter’s plane had crashed.  He was dead.  

 

A Gold Star was hung in the Block family window.

 

Henry became a New York City firefighter serving bravely  for almost 4 decades. He saved a part of every paycheck so one day he could establish a Memorial to his personal hero big brother, Peter.  

 

The Peter and Henry Block Foundation  is a memorial to brotherly love and commitment to community. 

It seeks to honor with grants - individuals and groups that give selfless service to their neighbors and communities.