Drive-by parade honors WWII veteran for 97th birthday on Long Island

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Friday, June 10, 2022
Drive-by parade honors WWII veteran for 97th birthday
A drive-by parade was held on Long Island to honor a WWII veteran on his 97th birthday.

VALLEY STREAM, New York (WABC) -- A drive-by parade was held on Long Island to honor a WWII veteran on his 97th birthday.

The non-profit "Smiles Through Cars" teamed up with state troopers and the Nassau County Police Department for the parade to honor Louis Francisco Barreiro, 97, Friday morning.

Barreiro saluted every car as they yelled happy birthday to him.

Barreiro said his birthday wish is for world peace.

Troopers and officers lined up for photos with Barreiro.

At the end of the parade, Barreiro was presented with a patch for his years service in the South Pacific.

"Remember the ones who were left behind and underneath the crosses, and the ones that came home," said Barreiro.

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