2nd Annual Commemoration of the End of WWII Reunion
August/September 2023. East Hartford, CT
Keep watching for upcoming details to be announced
2023 Events of the World War II Legacy Foundation, Inc.
and our Colleagues, Friends and Collaborators
Videos have been recorded and compiled by our talented volunteer, Bill Maune.
Photos were taken by our talented volunteers Ben Jordan of Photo Images Co. and Bill Maune as well as other volunteers.
Click on the video snapshots to bring you to the Vimeo link in a new page.
To view more videos by Bill Maune, follow this link: https://www.thecommunityservice.org/WWII.html
More photos and videos will be uploaded shortly, please check back frequently.
Sunday
June 11
Birthday Drive-By Parade for Alice D'Attilio, WWII Navy Pharmacist's Mate, 100 years old
Leggett St, East Hartford, CT 06108
Please join us for a Birthday Parade for Alice D'Attilio's 100th Birthday. Ms. D'Attilio was a World War II Navy Pharmacist Mate and was recently featured on the front page of the East Hartford Gazette. She was also part of the World War II Legacy Foundation parade group in the 2023 East Hartford Memorial Day Parade. She had such a great time that we decided to give her her OWN Parade! We will be staging at the parking lot on Leggett Street in East Hartford at 1:30 pm. Please arrive in time to sign her large birthday card, patriotically decorate your vehicles and have photos taken. We will be leaving the lot at 2:00 pm to drive by her house only 0.25 miles away. We will be lead by the East Hartford Fire and Police Departments. If you want, you can leave after that or safely park on the side of the road to meet with Alice and sing Happy Birthday. Photo by Bill Doak, East Hartford Gazette
Summer 2023
Come visit the Iwo Jima / World War II Museum
Contact us if you would like to have a private viewing of the World War II Museum or visit it on one of our upcoming displays.
Saturday
June 3, 2023
Birthday Drive-By Parade for Staff Sergeant Sam Gahr, 105 years old
Bristol, CT
The World War II Legacy Foundation was proud to participate in the 105th Birthday Parade for Sam Gahr of Bristol. Staff Sergeant Sam Gahr was a WWII Army Veteran who served in the European Theater. He was an aerial gunner aboard a B-26 named "Bar Fly". The parade was organized by his dear friend and caretaker, Cheri, with help from the Veterans Strong Community Center, Countryside Manor of Bristol, Town of Bristol Police, Fire and Mayor Jeff Caggiano . Many friends were on hand to wish Sam well and witness him receiving his military medals, certificates and citations. Cheri would like to give a Special thanks to Countryside Manor for all the exceptional care they provide Sam and the World War II Legacy Foundation and Bill Maune for their help.
Month of May
World War II Memorabilia Display at the East Hartford Public Library
840 Main St, East Hartford, CT 06108
All during the month of May, the World War II Legacy Foundation will have memorabilia on display in a showcase on the main floor. Come and see some items from our Iwo Jima / World War II Traveling Museum.
Monday
May 29, 2023
2023 East Hartford Memorial Day Parade
Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT
The World War II Legacy Foundation marched in the parade on behalf of our "Greatest Generation" of WWII Veterans. Also on site was our Iwo Jima/World War II Traveling Museum open for tours. Leading our contingent and riding in our decorated car were WWII Veterans Alice D'Attilio (Navy Pharmacists Mate) and Mario Forte (Army Surgical Technician) and his wife, Irene. Volunteers carried posters of our WWII Veterans and carried a large American Flag. We are grateful to American Eagle Financial Credit Union and Goodwin University for sponsorship of our participation in this event and all our volunteers including those from the East Hartford High School.
PFC Francis Curtis Presented with Portrait
Lucy Robbins Welles Library, Newington, CT
Newington resident and World War II Veteran, Francis Curtis, was presented with a painted portrait of himself. The event was a collaboration with the talented NY artist, Don Scott, the family of Francis Curtis and the World War II Legacy Foundation. Many family and friends of Mr. Curtis were on hand to celebrate this wonderful presentation. A copy of the painting will be displayed in the
Iwo Jima/World War II Museum as well as several other portraits done by the artist. .
Thursday
May 18, 2023
Manchester, CT Veterans Honored with Banners
Whiton Library, Manchester, CT
The World War II Legacy Foundation was asked to display memorabilia from its Iwo Jima/World War II Museum at a recent event in Manchester, CT. The Hometown Heroes Banner program, organized by Richard Zaremba, was well attended by many families and friends of those who will be honored this year. It was a wonderful event!
Read all about it at this link: Veterans Honored by Banners get First Peek
Saturday
May 6, 2023
Honor Flight Connecticut, Veterans trip to Washington, D.C.
Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, CT
The World War II Legacy Foundation was on hand to wish the Veterans a safe, fun and healing trip to Washington DC courtesy of Honor Flight Connecticut. We wished them bon voyage from Bradley Airport in the morning and welcomed them back home that night.
Thursday
May 4, 2023
Birthday Parade for 100 year old Army Corporal Silvio Sarno
Enfield, CT
Join us as we wish Army Corporal Silvio Sarno of Enfield a very Happy 100th Birthday. Decorate your car or truck and join us as we parade past Silvio and his family to show him we care. Event is organized by Jeannie Miller and the Wounded Veterans Project Inc.
Monday
April 3, 2023
Remembering PFC Joseph Roman on his 100th Heavenly Birthday
"Tea and Jelly Donut Day" A Virtual Event
PFC Joseph Roman was a World War II U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served in the Third Marine Division. He was assigned to the Third Joint Assault Signal Company and fought in Guadalcanal, Marshall Islands, Guam and Iwo Jima.
Mr. Roman was the nicest man you could have ever known. He never missed an opportunity to salute his fellow comrades in any patriotic event. He passed away in 2019 but would have turned 100 years old on April 3rd. Whenever we visited and asked him what he wanted, his answer was “tea and a jelly donut”. We ask that you all enjoy a tea and jelly donut on April 3rd in Honor of Mr. Joseph Roman. Share you photos on our Facebook page “Support our Survivors of Iwo Jima”. Let’s get at least 100 people to join in and wish him a Happy 100th Heavenly Birthday!
Sunday
March 26, 2023
78th Anniversary Commemoration of Victory in the Battle of Iwo Jima
Branford, CT
Join us as we remember and celebrate the 78th Anniversary of Victory in the Battle of Iwo Jima. This event will include a ceremony, memorabilia display, refreshments and a tribute to Vincent Thomas, US Navy, WWII and survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
The month of March
2023
A Tribute to Veterans of World War II
New Britain Public Library. 20 High Street. New Britain, CT 06051,
The World War II Legacy Foundation, Inc. and Iwo Jima / World War II Museum will be setting up a display of memorabilia, photos and information about the brave men and women who served during World War II. Also included will be information about the Battle of Iwo Jima because this month is the 78th Anniversary of that historic battle. The large showcase display will run through March 30th and viewed during normal library hours.
Saturday
February 25, 2023
50 Years after the Battle, Iwo Jima Survivors return to Island
Hillstown Grange #87, 617 Hills Street, East Hartford, CT. Program runs 9:45 am - 12:00 pm.
Join us as we commemorate the 78th Anniversary of the historic Battle of Iwo Jima. We will be showing video of the Iwo Jima Survivors trip back to Iwo Jima for the 50th Anniversary in 1995. Available for viewing up close will be battle memorabilia and information about the men who fought and died on that tiny island in the Pacific. Refreshments will be served. Event is FREE.
Wednesday
February 22, 2023
Remembering Roger Olmsted, KIA Battle of Iwo Jima
Center Cemetery. Elm Street parking lot. East Hartford, CT. Meet at 4:15 pm.
Roger Olmsted was a resident of East Hartford serving in the Marines during WWII. He was killed during the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 22, 1945. We will be remembering Roger by telling his life story, placing a wreath at his grave and tolling a bell. Come join us as we Honor his sacrifice made for our Freedom.
Tuesday
February 21, 2023
95th Birthday Party for Mr. Frank
East Hartford Senior Center Veterans Coffee Hour. 1:00 pm
Birthday Celebration for Mr. Frank who turns 95 on February 23rd took place during the Veterans Coffee hour followed by singing during Lunchtime. Frank was a WWII Navy Seabee.
Sunday
February 19, 2023
Remembering those who served and gave their lives at the Battle of Iwo Jima
National Iwo Jima Memorial. Iwo Jima Way. New Britain, CT
The traditional wreath placement, calling of the names and bell toll for the 100 Connecticut servicemen who gave their lives during the battle was placed by the World War II Legacy Foundation on behalf of the Iwo Jima Survivors Association on the 78th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Sunday
February 19, 2023
Iwo Jima / World War II Veteran Reunion
Bristol Public Library, 5 High Street, Bristol, CT 06010. 1:00 pm
This event is sponsored by the Bristol Library and American Legion Post 2. It will include guest Speakers, bell toll, POW/MIA table, Iwo Jima Memorabilia display, a special portrait presentation and more.... Doors open at 1:00 pm and event starts at 2:00 pm.
Saturday
January 14, 2023
Drive by Parade for the 97th Birthday of Army Veterans Francis Curtis
Francis Curtis will be having a drive-by Birthday parade in Newington for his 97th Birthday. Come join us and his family in making make his day special. We are joined by the Newington Police and Fire Department. More video is HERE.
Wednesday
January 18, 2023
Aaron Elson: Once Upon a Tank in the Battle of the Bulge
Aaron will be speaking at the Historic Selden Brewer house in East Hartford, CT. Sponsored by the Historical Society of East Hartford. Begins at 1:00 p.m. More info on found HERE.
Day
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To be Announced
Details.
Day
Date
To be Announced
Details