OHIO Youngstown veteran is now in hall of fame

Each inductee received a medal and a plaque from the governor.
By MICHELE C. HLADIK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- Michael J. Lacivita of Youngstown was among 19 Ohio veterans inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in a ceremony Wednesday at the Ohio Statehouse.
"Its awesome, that's all I can say," Lacivita said after the ceremony. "It's an awesome honor and an awesome production they put on."
The World War II veteran joined in honoring fellow veterans of World War II as well as veterans of the War of 1812, the Civil war and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Lacivita, 79, said it was an honor to be inducted at the same time as Gen. Henry B. Manning, who served during the Civil War, and Gen. Robert Lucas, who served during the War of 1812.
'Means a lot'
"It means a lot to me because it's a prestigious organization," he said. "When you see all of the people who've been in it since 1992 -- a lot of powerful people."
Lacivita said he waited five years to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Inductees, veterans, family and friends were treated to performances by the Columbus Police and Fire Pipes and Drum Corps. Each inductee received a medal and a plaque presented by Gov. Bob Taft.
"We are a brave and a free nation because of men and women like you," Taft told the inductees. "We owe you our deepest gratitude for your service."
In addition to their military service, inductees are also selected for their achievements in their community.
"You are an example of caring and commitment that inspires us all," Taft said. "Because of you, communities across Ohio and around the world are better places to live, work and raise a family."
Served in Navy
Lacivita was drafted into the Navy in 1943 and served aboard the USS LST 582. He participated in the D-Day invasion of Lingayen Gulf and Okinawa and received two Battle Stars.
In 1951, he graduated from Youngstown College with a degree in general business with a minor in mathematics.
He later went on to work in the rubber and steel industries. Many of his written and photographic works have been in local and national publications. He continues to write periodic columns for The Vindicator and the Senior News.
Lacivita also donates photographs and his speaking talents to charitable organizations, senior citizen groups, nursing homes, assisted-living residents and elementary schools.
He has also been inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 1996 and listed in Who's Who in America in 1998 through 2003 and Who's Who in the Midwest on a number of occasions.
A larger plaque with the names of the inductees was also unveiled at the ceremony.
Inductees are selected by an 11-member committee which meets throughout the year, according to Robert Labadie from the Governor's Office of Veteran Affairs.