Jim Vicario Crango looks back at his time in U.S. Air Force during with fond memories.

“I traveled all over Europe on a mail truck,” the World War II veteran said. “The U.S. Air Force was my travel agent. I was so proud to serve and help my country during our time of need.”

Vicario Crango was one of more than 40 veterans who were honored at a special luncheon at Anthony Wayne Middle School on Monday.

More than 40 North Jersey veterans were honored for their service to the United States at the annual event.

Joe Lasala enjoyed the event for a sixth consecutive year with his daughter Morgan, a seventh-grader at the school.

“It gets better year after year. It is amazing to see so many veterans who are a part of the Wayne community,” Lasala said. “Because of events like this, kids get to better appreciate the sacrifices their relatives made for this country.”

Principal Michael Ben-David told those gathered living the American Dream is not a “spectator sport.” He thanked the veterans for the sacrifices they made to keep the United States safe and ensure the children in the room could continue living the American Dream.

“Our nation has been built by people of action,” Ben-David said. “It’s not for the casual observer.”

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