World War II veteran Santo Miceli was honored for his service during a 100th birthday celebration last week, with the humble member of the “Greatest Generation” given a special coin and a framed letter signed by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas A. Collins.
“On behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), it is my pleasure to wish you a happy 100th birthday. We honor you and celebrate your life’s accomplishments,” said Associate Director of Patient Care Services Sonya Arnold MSN, MBA, BSN from VA West Palm Beach Health Care, reading from the letter to Miceli.
“Our Nation honors your service in the United States Army. … Americans enjoy the blessings of peace and liberty because of patriots like you who answered the call to defend our Nation. We remain grateful to you and your generation for helping defend democracy and shaping the world we live in today.”
“It is our privilege to come and share that with you,” said Arnold who was accompanied by VA West Palm Beach healthcare Chief of Staff Ronald K. Williams DO. “It was my pleasure to serve the country,” said Miceli.
Asked about his service, he talked about his time at Fort Dix and Fort Knox and joked about how the Germans were fearful when they learned of his arrival.
The commemoration at his youngest daughter JoAnn Miceli-Artiles’ PGA Village home was not the first 100th birthday fete for Miceli. Family from across the country visited for a party a few days prior and some stayed for the ceremony. His actual birthday was July 29. “People are spread out and came from all over. Hard to find one day,” said the centenarian, who served for two years as a dental technician after being drafted into the U.S. Army.
Upon his return he worked as an apprentice carpenter, later becoming a full-time homebuilder and later a building inspector for the City of New York. After the family moved to Pennsylvania, Miceli continued working as a building inspector for the State of Pennsylvania. Between the two states, Miceli inspected buildings for about three decades.
Miceli and his wife Josephine, who he calls “the love of my life,” have been married for 74 years. They have four children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He also called his wife the mother and father because, back in the day, Miceli worked from 7 a.m. to midnight or 1 a.m. while she took care of the children all day and waited up for him during those late evenings.
The Micelis moved to Florida 15 years ago. They currently live near Artiles in PGA Village.
Miceli’s care team from Veterans Affairs were also present at the ceremony .The family sought help from the VA over two years ago and at 98 that Miceli began his home health services. “I can’t say enough about how I’ve been treated by the VA. They’ve been wonderful,” Miceli said.
“We were blessed with the home care team. Everyone has been amazing,” Miceli-Artiles said.
Miceli only started two years ago because he felt he didn’t need anything. “The other men and women need it more than I do,” said Artiles, recalling her father’s words.
She also remembers how challenging it was when she and her sister had to take him for medical appointments. “It used to take both of us to get him to the Fort Pierce (clinic),” Artiles said.
The VA team installed grab bars and bed rails and a host of other items. “I’m very happy and surprised,” Miceli said.
“He feels safer now,” Artiles added.
The importance of family and Miceli’s love of his Italian origins are obvious. He talked about the early days in New York when the family made wine from grapes purchased in Long Island City, and a later trip to Palermo in Sicily, the former home of his own father.
Artiles and her siblings recognize the great fortune of having their parents alive all these years. “My parents are the only ones left. They are the only survivors of a family of five and a family of four,” she said.