When World War II veteran Lorenzo Valetutto celebrates his 100th birthday on Saturday, March 19, the American Legion wants to help him do it in style:
With 100 vehicles—or more—in a drive-by parade past the Cobleskill Elks Lodge.
Mr. Valetutto, who lives in Sharon Springs, served in the Pacific Theater under General Douglas MacArthur during World War II.
He was born in Staten Island and has lived in Sharon Springs since the 1970s.
Sharon Springs American Legion Commander Paul Todd said they want to make as a big a deal out of Mr. Valetutto’s century milestone as they can.
“To make it to 100…there are so few left from that Greatest Generation. We want to really help him celebrate and show him how proud we are of his service,” he said.
With that in mind, the American Legion will hold a drive-by parade on the 19th—Mr. Valetutto’s 100 birthday will actually be the day before on the 18th—with lineup starting at 11am on upper Campus Drive and the parade stepping off at 11:30am sharp.
The parade will go by the Elks, where Mr. Valetutto’s family will be hosting him at a birthday dinner.
Anyone is invited to take part in the drive-thru, Mr. Todd said, and they’re hoping to get at least 100 vehicles to mark Mr. Valetutto’s 100 years.
Already, he said, four fire departments and representatives from the Cobleskill Police Department, Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office, and State Police have promised to be there.
“The more the better,” Mr. Todd said. “It would be super if we’re able get 100.”
Interested?
Just show up.
Meanwhile, the Sharon Legion is collecting birthday cards to give to Mr. Valeutto on the 19th.
They can be addressed to Lawrence Valetutto and sent c/o American Legion Post 1269, PO Box Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
Mr. Todd said the Legion has been in touch with United States Senator Charles Schumer’s office—he’ll be sending a card—and they’ve reached out to President Joe Biden and local legislators as well.
The Town of Sharon has declared March 18 Lorenzo V. Valetutto Day and will be providing him with a resolution acknowledging his service.