- November 23, 2024
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On Thursday, July 18, World War II veteran Al Smith celebrated his 101st birthday at his Palm Coast home.
Fr. Manny Lopez and a group of Fourth Degree Sir Knights of Columbus from Assembly 2810 at Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach brought him a special cake, made by Sir Knight Frank Consentino. He also received a special congratulatory proclamation from U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz. White House congratulations are forthcoming.
During WWII, Smith was in the U.S. Army Air Corps stationed on the island of Ie Shima, just off Okinawa, where he directed fighter plane missions. Ie Shima is the island where famous war correspondent Ernie Pyle was killed.
Among the celebrants at Smith's party was WWII U.S. Navy veteran Pat Martellucci, 98, who introduced Smith to his wife Greta when they were 85 and 86, respectively. Greta, who is 100 years old, was a WWII U.S. Navy WAVE.
She was recently transferred to a local assisted living facility, but was looking forward to a piece of that chocolate cake.
Al and Greta’s daughter-in-law, Midge Franco Woodward, hosted the Knights.
