World War II Veterans Visit Their Memorial in Washington
WARRIOR
New London Day
Jeanne Amy
Boston University Washington News Service
11/07/09
WASHINGTON – It was a tearful hero’s welcome for 102 World War II veterans from New England, many from southeastern Connecticut, who arrived at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Saturday morning.
Two water cannons flowed full blast as their airplane rolled underneath the ceremonial water arch and a brass quintet played. Scores of people waiting in the terminal began clapping in time.
The members of the “Greatest Generation” walked or, with the help of a volunteer guardian, were wheeled into the terminal. The veterans, who were here to see the National World War II Memorial, made their way through the crowd, thanking those who turned out to greet them. But with every handshake or kiss on the cheek, those waiting repeated, “Thank you for your service.”
The trip was made possible by American Warrior, a Norwich-based nonprofit. The group’s founder, State Rep. Christopher Coutu, R-47th, said that in four trips more than 425 veterans have seen the memorial in the last two years. The memorial, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, was dedicated in 2004 to honor the 16 million men and women who served in the military during World War II.
As the veterans filed off the plane, Coutu said, “I think, actually I know, in many ways this is their final wish in life to see their memorial.”
The day-trip is free of charge to the veterans. Dozens of guardians travel with the group at their own expense, eager to push wheel chairs and listen to stories about their assigned veteran’s time in the service.
American Warrior must raise $40,000 to fund each trip, Coutu said. The group’s goal is to take at least two trips each year.
“It’s recognizing us where the government didn’t recognize us 60-some-odd years ago,” said Eddie Insalaco of Willimantic.
“I’ll tell you, I was so impressed with the reception we got here, I could go home right now, I almost cried,” the former Army staff sergeant said.
Insalaco, 85, was serving as a translator in Italy when he was captured by the Germans and held as a prisoner of war. He was able to escape, he said, and was helped by an Italian family who fed him. He had not eaten in 30 days.
“Two numbers I won’t forget – my military number and I was 118 pounds, I was losing at least a pound a day,” he said.
Insalaco said he has just started to talk about his experiences in the war and has given several lectures to school groups.
One trip volunteer, Rich Buzon of Stonington, has been on every American Warrior trip. The trip is always an emotional experience for him and quite a respite from his job as a chemist at Pfizer, he said.
“Time is the enemy, we’re trying to beat time,” he said about bringing veterans to the memorial. Each day more than a thousand World War II veterans die.
Jack Hogan, who was a petty officer third class in the Navy during the war, is quick to crack a joke or sing a song. Hogan was born in 1928 in New London, was stationed there during the war and still lives there. During the war he made eight dives each day teaching servicemen how to operate submarines.
In a coat and tie, Hogan approached the day in Washington with a smile. He said he is grateful for having served the country. Hogan was a high school drop-out, but was able to go to Mitchell College after the war.
Hogan said his brother, who also served in the war and now lives in New York, has not been to the memorial.
“My brother was the real hero of the family, shot down in Germany, prisoner of war and all that stuff,” he said.
Insalaco, as he was sitting at the memorial, said making the trip to Washington has given him a new take on life. “I love it – it makes me want to keep going,” he said.
###
