Parade grand marshal is veteran of three wars

COMMERCE CITY – “I really don’t deserve this,” said the modest man who will serve as grand marshal of Commerce City’s 2009 Memorial Day Parade.

“I just did what every guy did back then,” said Antonio Bertapelle of his service in World War II. “And there were quite a few of us who served in three wars,” he said, downplaying his 21 years of service during WW II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Bertapelle will lead this year’s 45th annual Memorial Day Parade with his wife, Lois, at his side – where she has been for the 63 years of their marriage. Together, the couple has weathered the ups and downs of raising five children, all grown now, in the same Derby-area house they bought new in 1957.

The family grew up watching Commerce City’s Memorial Day Parade, which they have attended faithfully – and always on the same corner across from the Recreation Center – since its beginning in 1964. With two children living nearby, and two more flying home for the event, four of the couple’s children will be there to cheer for their parents as they lead the parade.

“I have a hard time putting into words what Memorial Day means to me,” said Bertapelle. “This parade is a major event for my family every year.”

Bertapelle enlisted in the Air Force shortly after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. “He wanted to be a pilot so badly,” said Lois, “but his bad eyes wouldn’t let him.”

He settled for becoming an airplane mechanic with the 2nd Air Division. Stationed at the base in Norwich, England, Bertapelle remembers his job as “patching up aircraft following battles” and life in England included air raids and raining shrapnel.

Following the war, he returned to civilian life for a few years, marrying Lois before re-enlisting. He served through 1966 at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, this time as an instructor for other mechanics. Altogether, Bertapelle’s service spanned 21 years and three wars.

Military service runs in the family; the Bertapelles’ son, Anthony, also served in the Air Force, retiring after 20 years; their daughter, Jan, served four years in the Army; and three of their grandsons are or were in the armed services.

The Bertapelles are giving up their standard parade-watching corner to take the lead role in this year’s parade. After their part is finished, the Bertapelles will watch the rest of the event from the review stand, surrounded by 18 members of their extended family.

The interview with the Bertapelles can be seen in its entirety daily on Channel 8.

What: 45th Annual Commerce City Memorial Day Parade
When: 10 a.m. Monday, May 25
Where: Parade begins at Newport Street and 64th Avenue, heads west to Holly Street, south on Holly to 62nd Avenue, west on 62nd to Parkway Drive and ends at the Veterans’ Memorial.