On October 11, Dante Scaccia celebrated his 101st birthday and Clear Path for Veterans welcomed HFS for a Centenarian Salute to this World War 2 Navy Veteran. Here’s how our friends at Clear Path described the special day:
”Dante’s remarkable life has been filled with achievements worth celebrating. He attended college at just 14 years old, receiving degrees from both Union College and Columbia University, went on to become a lawyer, and served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1952, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
To make this special day even more memorable, we were honored to welcome Piper Jack Heins and Mary Beth Bellardini from Honor Flight Syracuse, who joined us in celebrating Dante’s incredible life and service.
Dante was presented with an American flag flown over the United States Capitol in his honor along with an Honor Flight Syracuse Challenge Coin and a beautiful handmade quilt.
But perhaps the most meaningful moment of the day was seeing our Great Room filled with more than 100 veterans, family members, and Clear Path staff and volunteers, all gathered for one very special person. With his son sitting beside him, Dante blew out the candles on his birthday cake as the entire room joined together to sing “Happy Birthday.”
It was a beautiful reminder of what makes the Clear Path community so special. Beyond the complimentary programs and services we provide, it’s the friendships, connections, and moments like these that remind us of the importance of honoring veterans and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.
Dante, your 101 years represent a lifetime of courage, wisdom, perseverance, and service. We are incredibly grateful to know you, to celebrate you, and to have you as part of our Clear Path community.“