Local vets to mark 75th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima
— Photo collage from Mark Yingling
Iwo Jima Survivors who live locally pose together while pictures of themselves during their time of military service are displayed behind them: From left, Carlo “Duke” Valenti, Sal Famularo, Francis “Dick” Varone, Thomas “Hollywood Tom” Lemme, George V. Ross, and Thomas J. “Dr. Tom” Smith.
To the Editor:
Once a month we get together with our local group of Iwo Jima survivors, and every Feb. 19, we join them for a special commemoration of this bloody 36-day battle, and to remember their friends who never made it home.
This amazing group remains surprisingly active considering the fact that they range in age from 94 to 98. While they all carry vivid memories of the war, they have not allowed those memories to control their lives or define who they are.
They all came home from the war, scarred in one way or another, had successful careers, raised families, and generally became productive members of society. Among them are a legend in the world of archery, a teacher/principal/superintendent/author with a Ph.D. in education, a Montford Point Marine, a teacher/principal/carpenter, a golf pro, a career bartender, and a funeral director.
Our venue is the Home Front Cafe, a small 1940s-themed restaurant and “museum” on Altamnt’s Main Street. The owners, Cindy and Jack Pollard, are in their mid-80s, and regularly and unwaveringly support and honor our veterans. They open their doors to many groups of veterans each month, including another event that I coordinate, the World War II Veterans and Friends Breakfast Club.
Feb. 19, 2020 is very significant, in that it marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. This day should not come and go unnoticed. In a way, it’s really our last chance to honor the valor displayed and sacrifices made during this epic 36 days of battle.
Mark Yingling
Clifton Park
