Two WWII Vets To Lead Memorial Day Parade As Grand Marshals

Utica, NY (WIBX) - Two WWII Veterans were chosen to lead this year's Memorial Day Parade. The American Legion's Utica Post 229 sponsors the parade, and named the two vets as the Grand Marshals. Officials say this year's parade theme is, "Honoring Our Past to Ensure Our Future: A Grateful Nation Remembers."

John Loperfido served in the Army Air Corps and Phil Capraro was drafted to serve in the Army. The decorated veterans reside in Utica and Parade Chair Paul Wojcik says the men will represent "The Greatest Generation" during the parade on May 30th. Organizers say they are still looking for participants and are encouraging those interested to contact The American Legion's Utica Post 229.

Parade Chair, Paul Wojcik: (315) 735-7938
Committee Secretary-Treasurer Joe Fraccola: (315) 794-5296.
Interested parties may also contact them via email at parade@uticapost229.org.

The Legion released the following information about the Veterans:

John Loperfido served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946. He was attached to the Amphibian 336th Engineer Combat Unit, spending time in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, and coming within 50 miles of Berlin by the end of the war. Loperfido was part of the landing forces that stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European Theater Occupation Medal, and the French Croix De Guerre Medal.

Phil Capraro was drafted into the Army in 1943. After completing basic training he was assigned to the 42nd Infantry Rainbow Division. He was wounded during the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach as part of "Operation Overlord." Later, while engaged at the Siegfried Line, Capraro was wounded for a second time, and was awarded two Bronze Stars for heroic action. On December 16, 1944 at the "Battle of the Bulge," Capraro was in charge of four machine gun placements when he was wounded for a third time. At the end of the war, he was part of the occupation forces. Capraro remained in the Army and was called up for the Korean War. He retired from the Army in 1975 after serving 32 years in many capacities. In addition to two Bronze Stars, he earned three Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, Battle of the Bulge Commendation, WWII Victory Medal, and European Theater Operation Medal.

Also, the City of Utica is a co-sponsor of the Memorial Day Parade, which kicks-off at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2011.