Drive-by Birthday Parade for WWII Vet Rosario Lombardo

What: Drive-by Birthday Parade for Rosario Lombardo, WWII Army Veteran turns 100!

When/Where: September 21, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at Gaffney School, 322 Slater Rd, New Britain, CT 06053
Please join the World War II Legacy Foundation, Inc. as we share our love with Rosario Lombardo and wish him a Happy 100th Birthday. Rosario “Rosie” Lombardo was born on September 19, 1924 in New Britain and lived there his whole life.

Private First Class Lombardo joined the Army in July 1943 and served in Central Europe and the Rhineland. He served with the Anti-Aircraft Artillery group and Infantry and had specialized training with the Browning Automatic Rifle. During a night time reconnaissance patrol, Rosie and a comrade were fired upon. His rifle was hit by enemy fire and his comrade was shot. Rosie ran unarmed through gunfire to save his comrade and carried him to safety. Rosie received the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery.

Those wishing to take part in Rosie’s parade will gather at 12:00 noon in the Gaffney School parking lot located at 322 Slater Rd, New Britain, CT 06053. This will give everyone time to decorate your cars and sign Rosie's large birthday card. Please help to make Rosie’s day special. Patriotic displays are welcome to show your appreciation for the service of this special Army Veteran. The parade will kick off at 1:00 p.m. sharp. We will drive by Rosie’s house a short ½ mile away. If you would like, you can circle around the block and meet at Rosie's house after the parade to wish him a Happy Birthday and share a piece of cake. We will be escorted by the New Britain Police with assistance by the New Britain Fire Department.

The Mission of the World War II Legacy Foundation is to Remember and Honor the men and women who served during World War II and on the Home Front. This is accomplished by acquiring, preserving and displaying artifacts from World War II and creating educational programs, research opportunities and events which educate and inspire the public to learn more about World War II and which honor the Legacy of the World War II generation.
There were 16 million Americans who served in World War II. Many were in their late teens and early twenties when they joined the Armed Forces. Less than 1% are alive today and most are 99 years old or older. Millions more worked on the home front to support the war effort. They were truly the “Greatest Generation”. The World War II Legacy Foundation aims to preserve their Legacy and show them our greatest appreciation in their remaining years.

Any questions about this event may be directed to Foundation President, Gary Roy, at (860) 810-8736. or Email WW2LegacyFoundation@yahoo.com