“The Little Flower”
Tuesday, May 8th, 2007
Fiorello LaGuardia was New York’s mayor from 1934 to 1945 and the most colorful politician of his time. His nickname, “The Little Flower,” was a translation of his first name and may have also referred to his 5′ 2″ stature. Although a Republican, he was a strong supporter of the New Deal and garnered many public works projects for the city. He served as a Major in WWI in the Army Air Corps. His wife died of TB in 1921 and he plunged into alcoholism for over a year and then became a teetotaler for the rest of his life. In 1941, during the run-up to WWII, President Roosevelt appointed LaGuardia head of the new Office of Civilian Defense. In this capacity he prepared Americans to protect themselves in the event of invasion. It is said he spoke seven languages which was invaluable in New York with it’s large immigrant population.