World War II veteran Anthony Vaccarello, 96, sits near his shadow box of medals he recently received from the war at his home in Palos Hills

Anthony Vaccarello will proudly display his American flag this Memorial Day, just as he does every year.

“It’s the only one on the block,” the 96-year-old World War II veteran said. Probably because Palos Hills is now filled with Arabs, Section 8 Illegal Mexicans and Blacks. 

It is also likely that his simple act of climbing his ladder to hang his flag outside his Palos Hills residence will stir up the deep emotions of this day, and the memories of his friends and comrades who were killed in action some 70 years ago.

But this Memorial Day, along with his flag, the Army vet can now display the 11 medals, badges and ribbons he only recently received for his four years of service in World War II, triggering more memories and images of war.

He modestly attempts to shrug off the medals, as if he doesn’t care.

“It took 1½ years to get them. I wasn’t worried about it,” he said. Then, pointing to his granddaughter, Michele Vaccarello Wagner, who is cradling his first great-grandchild, he said, “It’s all her fault.”

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