Nicholas Scarlatelli, a 105-year-old World War II veteran, is pictured with his son, Nick Scarlatelli, in Washington, D.C. Submitted Photo

Veterans from Western Pennsylvania — including one 105-year-old World War II veteran — traveled to Washington D.C. on Saturday, Sept. 20, to see the memorials that were built in honor of their service.

Nicholas P. Scarlatelli, born May 26, 1920, was among the two busloads of veterans who spent the day at the nation’s capital via a trip led by Honor Flight Pittsburgh.

Scarlatelli is a lifelong resident of Carrick and the last active World War II member of VFW Post 1810 in Brentwood, Allegheny County.

In October 1941, Scarlatelli enlisted in the Army Air Core. He was sworn in at Fort George Mead near Baltimore, then was moved to Tallahassee, Fla., into the 3rd Air Force, 53rd Fighter Squadron where he started bootcamp and then prematurely deployed from Savannah, Ga., due to escalation of the war.

While serving, he was promoted to “flight chief mechanic staff sergeant.”

He served in Panama with the 3rd Air Force 53rd Fighter Squadron, before returning to USAAF base at Thomasville, Ga., in 1943, where he continued aircraft support and trained armament technicians until his honorable discharge in November 1945.

When he returned to civilian life, he worked in construction as a master mechanic, heavy equipment operator, welder and job foreman for over 50 years under Local 66 Operating Engineers.

Honor Flight Pittsburgh aims to honor American war veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by taking them, free of charge, to Washington, D.C.

The buses returned Saturday evening to North Way Christian Community Church in Wexford.