WWII Marine Veteran Celebrated On 100th Birthday
by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sarah Pysher February
24,
2023
On a cold evening at the Fraternal Order of
Police Lodge #5 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an audience of more
than 100 people listened to the tune of a harmonica playing “God
Bless America.” Marine Veteran, Cpl. Roland Scarinci, played some of
his favorite songs to the crowd there to honor him.
Scarinci celebrated his 100th birthday on
February 18, 2023 with his family, friends and other guests gathered
to celebrate his long life.
 February 18, 2023 - WWII Marine Veteran, Cpl.
Roland Scarinci proudly holds a letter of appreciation
signed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H.
Berger presented to him by U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Len
Anderson, commanding general of 4th Marine Aircraft
Wingarinci, who is sitting next to him at his 100th birthday
celebration at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 in
Philadelphia, PA. Scarinci served the United States Marine
Corps honorably during WWII from December 14, 1942, to
February 19, 1946. Scarinci 100th birthday ceremony also honored
his service to the Marine Corps and Nation during the war. (Image
created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sarah Pysher.)
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During this celebration, a
ceremony was held by Marines with Marine Forces Reserve who
presented Scarinci with a Letter of Appreciation signed by the
Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger, thanking him
for his time and service to the Corps.
Scarinci enlisted in
the Marine Corps on Dec. 14, 1942. He was stationed at Marine
Barracks Washington 8th & I, and later deployed to the Pacific
Theater with the 1st Marine Division, during which Scarinci engaged
with the enemy for 81 of the 82-day-long Battle of Okinawa in
April-May 1945. Later, from Sept. 30, 1945, to Jan. 14, 1946, he
participated in actions during the occupation of China. Scarinci
served the Marine Corps and nation honorably during WWII for four
years and was discharged Feb. 19, 1946.
During the ceremony
Maj. Gen. Len Anderson, commanding general of 4th Marine Aircraft
Wing, gave remarks expressing his gratitude and awe for Scarinci’s
service.
“This many years of dedicated and selfless service
for our nation, to tell his story and what he did in the Marine
Corps, I can’t thank you enough for the stories that you've told,”
said Anderson “He didn't know that the time he spent in the Pacific
was just a very small influence of what he had on the Marine Corps.
Decades since, young men and women have joined our Corps, joined
this small club we love to be a part of, served our nation and did
it because Cpl. Scarinci keeps telling his stories.”
Others
whom Scarinci impacted in his life spoke as well, including his
daughter, his nursing staff and even Col. Patrick Callahan, New
Jersey State Police superintendent.
Callahan retold the story
of his and Scarinci’s first meeting at a coffee house. They shared
the love of playing harmonica and became close friends. During the
celebrations, they played “When the Saints Go Marching In” together.
After they finished, Callahan wished to show his gratitude and
respect to Scarinci.
“Because it will be completely
appropriate and a complete breach of military protocol, corporals
generally salute colonels, but not tonight,” said Callahan “It is my
complete honor to salute Cpl. Scarinci!”
Then it was
Scarinci’s turn to speak. His simple, yet beautiful message was love
everyone and be grateful. He then thanked every member of his family
and all his closest friends by name, including his late wife,
Gloria. Every person who came up to him to wish him a happy
birthday, Scarinci hugged, shook their hand and told them he loved
them. He praised members of the military by saying, “You young men
and women are the bravest and nicest of them all.”

February 18, 2023 - WWII Marine Veteran, Cpl. Roland Scarinci, speaks during his 100th birthday celebration at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 in Philadelphia, PA. (Image
created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sarah Pysher.)
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The party continued after Scarinci retired
for the night. His last words to the crowd were short and simple,
but it had a powerful impact on all who heard them, much like his
life...
“Just seeing all you folks
here, and loving all you folks, it was a true honor.”
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