ORLANDO, Fla. — It was a celebration of several years of service to our country, and many more years on this Earth.
What You Need To Know
- Sallie Amato recently celebrated her 100th birthday at Westminster Towers in Orlando
- Dozens of friends came together to mark the occasion and her service in the U.S. Marine Corps
- In 1942, Amato answered the call to serve in World War II, playing bugle — from marching orders to "Taps"
- She continues to serve, now as a volunteer at Westminster Towers
World War II veteran Sallie Amato turned 100 years old in November. Dozens gathered in a community room at Westminster Towers in downtown Orlando to pay respects, watch a slideshow of old photographs and toast her centennial celebration. She even received extra honors, like a 100th anniversary challenge coin from the U.S. Marine Corps.
"This is wonderful. I am so blessed with all my great friends," Amato said, grinning, as she walked into her party. "I feel so special."
In 1942, Amato saw a poster that read, "Be a Marine." It prompted her to enlist in the service and provide field music during the war. From marching orders to "Taps," Amato played a bugle to keep fellow soldiers on track.
"I did what was supposed to be done," she said. "It was there to be done, just the same as you would've done had you been there at the time. We had courageous, wonderful people."
After her service, Amato took advantage of the G.I. Bill and said that she met the love of her life, John Amato, in college. He, too, was back from the war after serving as a U.S. Army captain.
The couple married, moved to Orlando during the housing boom of the 1950s and had four children. Amato lived in College Park then until her husband died 11 years ago.
She continues to volunteer for Westminster Towers and plays bridge with friends three or four times per week.