A 100th birthday parade fit for a WWII veteran
A World War II veteran received the celebration of a lifetime, in honor of his 100th birthday this past weekend in North Bellmore. Michael Dalmeto turned 100 on Aug. 13, and in honor of the occasion, a birthday parade drove past his Oakfield Avenue home on Sunday.
The North Bellmore Fire Department, American Legion Riders from Elmont post No. 1033, the Malverne American Legion Post No. 44, the Malverne Auxiliary, the Malverne Sons of the American Legion, and the East Meadow American Legion Post No. 1082 participated in the parade. Dalmeto’s daughter, Janet Chiafari, is secretary of the Malverne American Legion, and her husband, Joe, is the vice commander of the Malverne Sons of the American Legion.
Dalmeto was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII with the 8th Air Force in Buckingham, England as an engineer gunner on a B-24 Liberator Bomber. Dalmeto flew 35 combat missions over Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge and Battle of Normandy. He received the Air Medal with five oak leave clusters, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in major battles in Europe.
Dalmeto took an Honor Flight, a trip for veterans that honors their service, in 2014, with his daughter, Janet.
Several politicians and leaders in the North Bellmore area presented Dalmeto with citations in honor of the momentous occasion.
“Thrilled to extend my warmest wishes to Michael Dalmeto on his 100th birthday,” State Senator Steve Rhoads’ office wrote on social media accounts. “After serving in the military, he continued his commitment to public service by working for the MTA. To honor his remarkable milestone and dedicated service to our national, local firemen, first responders, American Legion Post No. 1082 and numerous fellow veterans came together for a celebratory drive-by parade. Thank you for your service, and happy birthday.”
“100 years young,” Congressman Anthony D’Esposito wrote on Facebook. “Michael served this great nation and is truly one of the last of the greatest generation.”
