Child plays trumpet to honor WWII veteran after Memorial Day parade is cancelled

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Friday, June 3, 2016
Child plays trumpet to honor WWII veteran after Memorial Day parade is cancelled
Although bad weather caused the Memorial Day parade to be cancelled, an 11-year-old still found a musical way to pay tribute to veterans.

Nicholas was excited to play trumpet in his marching band for a Memorial Day parade, but it was cancelled because of bad weather. However, the determined 11-year-old was still able to share his music with a grateful WWII veteran.

"Nicholas felt so bad for all of the veterans that would not have a parade in honor of all their fallen comrades," said Nicholas' mom, Mary DeGregorio, in a YouTube post.

"Myself, my husband, Nick Degregorio and my son first went to the memorial at the train station, but it was over so then we drove the parade route with Nicholas playing the trumpet out the window for all to hear and we ended up at the memorial by Nicholas' elementary school."

It was at the North Bellmore, NY school that Nicholas and his family met the daughter of Chris Iannacone, a disabled WWII veteran. The woman said that her father would be disappointed that the parade was cancelled, but Nicholas offered to play "You're a Grand Old Flag" for the vet on his trumpet.

Mallory Hoff has the latest details.

The touching performance was uploaded to YouTube, where the smiling vet can be seen enjoying Nicholas' patriotic song.

"He was thrilled and Nicholas was thrilled as well to have the opportunity to play for him and brighten his morning," said DeGregorio. "Behind every cloud is a silver lining."