Close to 76 years ago, the United States fought in World War II. Today there are few remaining WWII veterans. But one special veteran, Jerry Rimpau, who will celebrate his 101st birthday this month, could be found along the Fiesta Days Parade route on Memorial Day. Rimpau rode down Foothill Boulevard in an Indian motorcycle sidecar to cheers, applause and the salutes of fellow veterans.

“Jerry has been our neighbor for over 15 years and I wanted to do something special so the town could honor this man,” said Donna Libra, who coordinated efforts to get Rimpau in the parade. “It’s not easy convincing a 100-year-old man to ride in a sidecar, but Jerry, who was a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, was ready to roll.”

Some preparation was needed prior to Memorial Day.

“We decided to give him a test drive,” said Bob Manciero who provided the Indian motorcycle with sidecar. Two weeks prior to the parade they took Rimpau on a ride around town. His daughter Cheryl was delighted at seeing her father with such a big smile on his face.

“He did not want to stop, he just kept asking Bob to keep on riding,” recalled Libra.

Rimpau joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. During WWII he flew 113 missions and was shot down three times. He dropped paratroopers and supplies, and transported out the wounded. Rimpau also served in the Korean War as a pilot trainer.

He made his home in La Crescenta with his wife Frances, who passed away, and his children Cheryl and Jerry. After a long career, he retired from Pacific Bell Telephone Company in 1975.

“People were amazed to see this veteran full of life, waving, smiling and talking to the crowds,” said Libra. “In those few moments Jerry helped us realize we have our freedom because of men and women like him. Home of the free because of the brave!”

Contributed by Donna LIBRA