Metro

Wounded warriors roar into B’hurst

There wasn’t a wuss in the bunch.

Big bad “Paulie Walnuts” was cracked down to size when he pressed flesh with real-life war heroes from the Wounded Warrior Project, who roared into Bensonhurst on adaptive bikes to cheers, tears and a marching band after completing their 25-mile Soldier Ride from Manhattan.

Sopranos’ star Tony Sirico, a neighborhood native, was among the true-blue welcome committee of misty-eyed patriots, who watched the live show of indomitable human spirit unfold in front of Villabate-Alba Pasticceria and Bakery — 70th Street and 18th Avenue — where approximately 40 amputee soldiers and five Israeli veterans were escorted into Brooklyn by a convoy of Police and Fire department vehicles, Harley riders from the Rolling Thunder and Blue Knights motorcycle clubs, and a buzzing helicopter overhead.

Adding to the pomp was a huge Stars and Stripes draped over the avenue, held up by two Fire Department aerial ladders, plus a youth chorus banging on red, white and blue drums, and singing patriotic songs.

“They were inspirational, truly something to see,” marveled Villabate co-owner Emanuele Alaimo of the dauntless men on upright, hand-peddled and recumbent bicycles, some of whom sat afterwards on the sweltering sidewalk to remove their prosthetics and cool off, drawing stares of admiration and wonder.

Later, they enjoyed a party on the block, organized by the city.

“It made me feel really good that we could do something for them,” said Alaimo, whose brother served in Iraq.

The spectacle was enough to move Midwood resident Gordon Michaels, 35, who says his outstretched hand and expression of gratitude to one soldier turned emotional for both of them.

“They lost their arms and legs for us so that we can live freely,” he said. Another soldier, who had lost both his legs, gave him a thumbs-up and a wide smile, said Michaels. “He was in better spirits than I was.”

On their way in from Macy’s at Herald Square, the gutsy group discovered the depth of Gotham’s patriotism.

Alaimo said he heard that people stopped in their tracks, and construction workers laid down their tools, to applaud and boost the boisterous procession.

The Wounded Warrior Project helps troops who have been severely injured on the frontlines in Afghanistan and Iraq make the transition to civilian life through tailored programs and services -— but it boasts humble beginnings: A group of veterans and brothers watching the news one night heard the difficult stories of wounded service members returning home, and decided that they needed to do something beyond brass bands and ticker tapes to reclaim their confidence and strength. They began delivering care packages to the bedsides of disabled soldiers, which became the project’s signature program.

-— Shavana Abruzzo

sabruzzo@CNGlocal.com