A touching moment in the neighborhood shared by Southie resident – Faith Raimondi. Hopefully it will brighten your day!

I go to the same Starbucks every morning on West Broadway in Southie. I often see this older gentleman wearing his veteran’s cap covered with pins. He’s very social with all the staff. Always smiling and laughing. I wonder what stories he must have to share. When I don’t see him at Starbucks I wonder if he’s okay. Well he was there on Friday when one of the police officers I see often in that area yelled, “Excuse me everyone, today is Stephen’s 87th Birthday. He’s a veteran and sitting right over there. I would like for us all to wish him a happy birthday and sing to him.” Then the Starbucks staff brought him over a pastry with a candle in it and we all song happy birthday.

I can honestly say, it made my day to be a part of this little celebration and I hope it made Stephen’s day special as well. If you see him around town today be sure to wish him a happy birthday and thank him for his service.  And a huge shoutout to all my favs at this Starbucks because they have great attitudes every single morning and huge smiles.

Thanks for sharing, Faith!