Scenes from his service during World War II remain fresh in Joseph Mancino’s mind. The 94-year-old U.S. Navy veteran served for four years in the South Pacific aboard the USS Griffin.
Monday morning, he came to the 21st annual Veterans Day Celebration at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery. The Ponte Vedra Beach resident came with his son-in-law John Celluci, also a Navy veteran, and friend Gabe Gambrill, who served in the Air Force.
Mancino said he comes every year. “It’s great,” he said. “Fantastic.”
Cemetery owner Brent Headrick opened the event by introducing members of a motorcycle entrance procession by the Southern Cruisers Riding Club, Christian Motorcycle Association, American Legion Riders and 7 Bridges Scooter Club.
They were followed by U.S. Army veteran Jim Sloan playing Scottish bagpipes; a presentation of colors by the Nease High School NJROTC; a Riderless Horse; and the Pledge of Allegiance by Commander Caroline Merillat of American Legion Palm Valley Post 233.
Rev. Dr. Willaim Ziegenfuss, a past president of the Jacksonville branch of the Sons of the American Revolution, gave the invocation. Then guest speaker Charlie Zuhoski, a retired Naval Lieutenant and fighter pilot who became a prisoner of war in Vietnam, spoke about what Veterans Day means to him.
“Veterans Day--I look at it as being for those who have served in the military and those that are still serving in the military,” he said. In contract to Memorial Day, which honors those who died while serving in war, he said Veterans Day to him is mostly for those who are living. Those who come home and marry and raise a family and embark on a career, as he did. “They are members of the community who make this country great after they’ve served,” he said. “There are members of this community who are veterans, and you don’t even know it.”
Community veterans were also honored at THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center. On Thursday, Nov. 7, pianist Steve Chapman led a rousing, patriotic sing-a-long. Volunteers from the Ponte Vedra Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach served a special BBQ lunch. As part of the festivities, Rotary member Bruce Barber thanked all of the military veterans there that day, including some who had served during the Korean War and Vietnam War. Veterans honored included: Dennis Sheils, Satish Chander, Ray Rodgers, Joe D’Aluia, Jeff Kull, Pat McFarland, Tom Conrad, Ted Verber, Albert DiBella, Doris Gillane, Joe Levine, David Omerad, Eugene Stidfole and Renato Olaes.
“We thank all of you for coming,” Barber said, after giving each veteran a chance to introduce himself or herself and say a few words if they wished. “Thank you for celebrating Veterans Day.”
