Suffolk Reporter

Assemblyman Ed Flood recently honored Erika Glus with an official Assembly Proclamation as part of his 2024 Women of Distinction event. Glus, a retired teacher and World War II survivor, was recognized for her remarkable life journey.

Born on January 4, 1940, in Lithuania as a German citizen, Glus fled the country with her family during the war in 1943 after her father was killed by the Soviets. The family traveled across Poland for a year before reaching post-war Germany. They moved on foot after giving up their wagons and horses, relying on trains when possible and finding shelter wherever they could. Her mother baked bread with limited ingredients to sustain them and those they met along the way.

Upon arriving in Germany after Berlin had been bombed, the Salvation Army and Red Cross provided housing and clothing assistance to Glus's family. Later, they immigrated to the United States at the encouragement of an aunt in Cincinnati. Before starting her teaching career there, Glus vacationed on Long Island where she met her future husband.

Glus taught at BOCES for 32 years and was married for 56 years, raising two children and five grandchildren. She has also completed 13 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and survived breast cancer twice.

Assemblyman Flood praised Glus saying: “It was truly an honor to meet Erika and hear about her past and the hardships she gracefully overcame that led her to become the remarkable woman she is today.” He added that it is rare to hear from World War II survivors about their post-war lives. "Erika is an admirable resident of Suffolk County," he said. "It is my distinct honor to present a proclamation to recognize her for her heroic journey and inspiration to others."