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97-Year-Old World War II Veteran Receives A Hero's Welcome To Newly Renovated Connecticut House

NEW FAIRFIELD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- The New Fairfield High School Marching Band welcomed Lou Russo to his newly renovated home Wednesday.

The 97-year-old World War II veteran built his house 50 years ago, but it had seen better days, WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported.

New Fairfield High School Band
The New Fairfield High School Marching Band performs at the home of World War II veteran Lou Russo on Nov. 11, 2015. (credit: Peter Haskell/WCBS 880)

"It's actually unbelievable, and I didn't think it was possible to get a homecoming like I got," Russo said on Veterans Day.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation organized the renovation. Now there's new pale green siding on the outside of the house, and the inside will be fixed up next.

"We have tremendous respect as a foundation for first responders and all those who serve this country," said John Hodge, the foundation's chief operating officer.

Russo served in the Army and was stationed in the Pacific Ocean during the war. He said he felt it was his duty.

"It was a world event that moved all our lives," Russo said.

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