LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — 'Home of the free, because of the brave' was the message Saturday morning at the Dupont VFW Post 4909 for Veterans Day.
Among the veterans at the ceremony was Sam Guarnieri of Pittston Township. He served in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theatre near the end of World War II.
"My job was to identify enemy aircraft coming from the islands coming across bombing the island, so we did a fairly good job there; we protected our troops there," said Sam Guarnieri, U.S. Navy veteran.
Now at the age of 97, he continues to serve his country as a member of the Military Honor Guard with the Greater Pittston AMVETS Post 189.
"As long as I am able, there is nothing like being a veteran and helping the veterans; that is what makes America beautiful. Without the veterans, America would be at a standstill," said Guarnieri.
Commander Bernie McDonald has known Sam for years; he took over the AMVETS Post 189 after Guarnieri served as commander.
"As a new commander, he guided me and taught me what it means to be in a leadership position. It's not about you, it's about the people you are serving, and that is something I live by," said Commander Bernie McDonald, AMVETS Post 189.
Guarnieri knows he's one of few veterans from that time still around; his fellow veterans say we can all learn a thing or two from veterans like him.
"Just listen to what they endured in World War II. We weren't there to experience anything like that, so they are a piece of history, and if you are willing to listen, they can give you a piece of history we weren't able to see or understand," said McDonald.
"It means an awful lot for me and my family. I never thought I would get to this point, and I never thought I would get this much recognition," said Guarnieri.