WWII Vet Returns from 'Honor Flight' to DC

World War II veteran Santo Squillacioti of Huntington received a special welcome-home greeting last weekend at Islip-MacArthur Airport after his “Honor Flight” to Washington, D.C.

There to greet him was Assemb. Chad Lupinacci (R, C, WF, I-Huntington Station), who met Squillacioti and Walt Whitman High School Principal Kathleen Acker and Eagle Scout Thomas Ciravolo. 

Through this program, Acker and Ciravolo escorted Squillacioti, who officials say does not have the resources or strength to make a traditional trip, on a tour of the nation’s capital.

“Our veterans have given so much on behalf of our community and our nation, and our remaining World War II veterans have earned the title ‘the greatest generation,’” Lupinacci said.

“The World War II Memorial in Washington stands as a stoic reminder of the service and sacrifice this tremendous group of men and women made on behalf of our nation during a time of need,” he added. “The ‘Honor Flight’ for Mr. Squillacioti is a well-deserved recognition, and today, almost 70 years after the war’s end, we still owe a debt of gratitude to our servicemen and women.  It was an honor to help send off Santo and pay my respects to a man who gave so selflessly and asked nothing in return.”  

While in Washington, Acker and Ciravolo toured with Squillacioti to monuments and memorials, concluding with a visit to the WWII Memorial.