Tears and remembrance mark breakfast to observe dedication
Those who served in World War II haven't been forgotten, a judge said.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- The tears streaming down Virginia Williams' face told the story.
It has been 60 years since the Brookfield resident served as an Army nurse in World War II, but the memory of her experiences has not faded.
"It's about time," said Williams, referring to Saturday's dedication of the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C.
She recalled the time she spent in the military during Saturday's WWII Memorial Breakfast held at the Maronite Center. The breakfast took place to observe the memorial dedication.
"Finally, they have built this memorial for all the wonderful people that served," said Williams, who was stationed in France and Germany during her two years in the military.
Remembering
"All the men that I met and took care of were such wonderful people," Williams said, as her eyes filled with tears. "I can still remember a 19-year-old that lost his leg. All he cared about was that he would be able to take care of his mother when he returned home. I tried to reassure him. Later that night he died. I still wish I would have gotten his name and address so I could have written his mother and told her."
During the ceremony, Judge Robert Millich of Youngstown Municipal Court apologized to the veterans that it took 60 years for the monument to be built.
"You haven't been forgotten," Millich said.
War stories
Numerous war stories filled the hall as veterans recalled their service time with pride.
"I was basically just a general nuisance," laughed Helen Hucko, 82, of Austintown, who served two years in the Army during the war. "I did whatever they needed me to and we were all proud to serve our country. I'm so glad the memorial is there to honor all those who served."
Brothers John and George Lazar said that even though it took six decades to get the memorial built, they are glad it's finally completed.
John, 84, of Poland, and George, 82, of Youngstown, noted that they wish all who served during the war would have had the chance to visit the memorial.
"I went in the Air Force at 19 and my brother went in the Army and we did it for the same reason everyone else did ... we were fighting for peace," said George Lazar.
sinkovich@vindy.com