A World War II veteran in Wisconsin turned 100 this week and he didn’t celebrate quietly. John Stanley Pioro was treated to a car parade in honor of his milestone and his friends and community honked horns, blared sirens and cheered as they drove by his home in Caledonia.
With his big day coming up, Pioro’s family members reached out to the Racine County Veterans Services Office for ideas to celebrate his centennial birthday. And the veteran’s office threw him a surprise car parade as a result. Dozens of cars took part, as well as the Caledonia Fire and Rescue Department, the Caledonia Police Department and the American Legion and VFW Riders. Everyone rolled down their windows to cheer, sing “Happy Birthday” and wave American flags to the birthday boy.
“He doesn’t like to be recognized,” said Racine County Veterans Service Officer Zach Zdroik. “I get it. A lot of us don’t. In the world of superhero movies, this is just one way to honor the heroes who live among us.”
Source: The Journal Times