On Oct. 13 in Bristol, a dinner party was held at Max on Middle Street. Family and friends gathered to honor Joe Caminiti on his 100th birthday.
The mayor of Bristol was on hand to read a rewritten proclamation naming Oct. 13 as Joe Caminiti Day in Bristol. The proclamation was given earlier in the week at the start of the City Council meeting. After the key to the city was given, the mayor re-quilted Joe with his Quilt of Valor.
The World War II Legacy Foundation began their presentation by quilting Joe’s wife Gerry with a handmade quilt. Thus, both Caminitis had their own quilts. This was followed by Joe being given a handmade 100-year-old birthday card signed by all those present on the 12th and 13th. Lastly, a very special presentation was made to Joe: He was made an honorary member of the Third Marine Division Association. His membership card number was 100. He is to be featured in an upcoming issue of their national magazine.
On Oct. 14, right and early Channel 8 sent a crew to Edge Gym, where Joe goes every morning to work out. There he was interviewed and filmed, and it played throughout the day on their news.