Remembering those who served

Friday is Veterans Day when all veterans are remembered at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month on what was once called Armistice Day, the day that World War I — “the war to end all wars “— ended. Renamed Veterans Day in 1954 by Congress, it became a day to honor all American veterans, wherever and whenever they had served.

Longtime Inwood resident Sal Scotto, 81, served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean War, including 13 months in Korea. PFC. Scotto was assigned to the 123rd Medical Holding Company that was responsible for providing medical care for wounded or injured soldiers.

His memories of that time include the terribly cold winters and steaming hot summers. However, he is proud to have been part of a unit that provided medical care to fellow soldiers under hazardous conditions.

Awarded the National Defense, United Nations Korean Service, Republic of Korea War Service, United Nations Service Commemorative, and the Army’s Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged in 1952 and served in the Army Reserve for six years after his discharge.

Living in Inwood since 1969, Scotto married his wife Angie in 1955 and they had three daughters, Jo-Ann, Diane and Sally Ann. He worked for Chemical Bank that became the core of J.P. Morgan Chase.

Currently Scotto serves as the senior vice commander of the John J. Oliveri V.F.W. Post 1582 of Inwood. Post members will gather outside their headquarters at 259 Doughty Blvd., on Friday at the appointed time of 11 a.m., in honor of Veterans Day.