DUPONT, Pa. — It was a salute to service and sacrifice at the Dupont VFW Post 4909. While the ceremony was an honor for all who have served this Veteran's Day, one, in particular, serves as a true example of that service and sacrifice.
WWII veteran Sam Guarnieri was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Medal by his fellow comrades.
"People should just take the time, sit down with them, and listen to their stories. Just listen. Don't ask a lot of questions. They'll tell you what they want to tell you. It's a piece of history, and once they're gone, the history is gone," Bernie McDonald said, Commander of AMVETS Post 189.
Guarnieri, growing up in Pittston, enlisted in the Navy at just 17 years old.
"I had a brother who was in the army and told me don't join the army. I said, 'Why not?' He said you sleep in the ground, you dig a hole, you eat out of cans. I said, 'I don't believe that, but thanks for the information, brother, but I'm going to join the Navy'. And that's what I did at the age of 17," said Guarnieri.
He served for three years during WWII, based primarily in the Pacific, trying to take down enemy aircraft.
"At 17-18, you had the courage to go on until you accept anything that came forward. I had great people with me," he added.
And he's still surrounded by a great group of veterans nearly 80 years later. Guarneri served as a former commander at Post 4909. Now, he serves in their honor guard. He says it keeps him going at 98 years old.
"I can't do what I do without my fellow comrades. They're right behind me with every move I make," said Guarneri.
But, these vets say, it's Sammy who keeps the post alive.
"When we were all younger coming into these organizations, he was always there to teach. He never criticized. He was always there to show you what a veteran should be doing," said McDonald.
While many veterans days have come and gone for Guarneri, this will be one to remember. A special honor to his service and sacrifice.
"It makes me very, very proud to be with them, for them to honor me, to recognize me for who I am," added the World War II Veteran.