1944: LET'S NOT FORGET THE WOMEN OF WWII

So much attention is given to the male heroes of World War II that we sometimes overlook the incredibly historic and courageous service provided by the women of the "Greatest Generation." The WACS, WAVES, SPARS along with the military combat nurses and even "Rosy the Riveter" gals who replace many of the male factory work during World War II. It took me a bit of tweaking and repairing the graphic above to remove scratches and other imperfections, but it is well worthwhile to remember these female heroes of WWII.

2012: RALPH LUCARELLA: STAND TALL THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

Hi Tom, this is Ralph Jr. My Dad wanted me to send you this picture for Memorial Day. It shows him, he is on the far right, on the island of Espiritu Santo while in the Navy in 1945. He likes to point out what muscles he had then at the age of 25. He will be 93 this coming August 30th. In looking up Espiritu Santo, I found this which you might be interested in. http://www.espiritusantotourism.com/ww2.html

Best regards,

Ralph Lucarella Jr.

Your dad is one of my "GREATEST GENERATION: heroes, Ralph. He, along with my older brother Len who passed away this month, and all those who fought WWII and are now leaving us at an alarming rate. They have our undying gratitude for the sacrifices they made. On a personal not they will all be in my prayers not only on Memorial Day, but through all the years.

Your Dad has added immeasurably to this website with his very interesting "been there, done that" comments. God bless him.

Tom Glover

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TOM, I MAY HAVE BEEN IN THE NAVY BUT I WAS AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE WHO INVADED THE ISLANDS IN THE CORAL SEA. THE LAST BIG ONE WAS YHE INVASION OF OKINAWA. I NEVER SAW SO MANY SHIPS AND EQUIPMENT THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THAT OPERATION. I WAS VERY HAPPY WHEN I KNEW I WAS GOING HOME IN 1946. THE DAY I LEFT THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE IN THE AREA THAT REALLY SHUCK EVERYTHING. THANKS AGAIN AND GOD BLESS THOSE WHO DID'NT R

Friday, May 25, 2012

Anonymous said...

Your Dad, Ralph, was a fine example of the typical Navy Man of the South Pacific. We were all trim, fit and in the finest physical condition.

At least we were, as legends in our own minds. Coming home on my first leave, I was a fit 208 pounds with a slim (32") waist. Maury Robinson of the Burg was the only mens store that could fit me properly.

And of course a silent moment and tear followed by a crisp salute for those who were not fortunate to come home. Amen.

Ed Millerick

Friday, May 25, 2012

1945: Frank Iorio: "Lest We Forget

This one's for you, Chuck Rotondo:
Those who have followed my newspaper columns and posts I have made on this site can testify to the fact that I have the greatest respect for those brave men and women who have served in the military throughout the years; especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The above graphic came as the result of an email I received from an altar boy who remembers me from my years as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and singer during my years at St. Anthony parish in Hamilton. True to my blog slogan, "Local History With a Personal Touch," I proudly post this notice of a St. Joachim memorial service for WWII patriot, Frank Iorio.