Senator Pays Tribute to WWII Veterans, Praises Contributions of “The Greatest Generation”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued a statement in advance of Memorial Day commemorations on Monday in Mississippi and across the nation.

In her statement, Hyde-Smith specifically honors the men and women who served in World War II, offering an individual tribute to Thomas Oâ€Loughlin, 94, who made Laurel his home after fighting, being a prisoner of war, and guarding the Nuremberg Trials.

“Each Memorial Day we, as Americans, take time to honor the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country—from those who died in the creation of this great nation to those who today risk their lives in the most dangerous corners of the world,” Hyde-Smith said.

“As we approach this Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to honor the heroes still among us who served in the Second World War.  There are fewer than half a million of these veterans still living and we lose more than 300 every day,” she said.  “These men and women of the World War II era are truly heroes here among us.”

Mr. President, each Memorial Day we, as Americans, take time to honor the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country—from those who died in the creation of this great nation to those who today risk their lives in the most dangerous corners of the world.

As we approach this Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to honor the heroes still among us who served in the Second World War.  There are fewer than half a million of these veterans still living and we lose more than 300 every day.

These men and women of the World War II era are truly heroes here among us.  In the great battle between good and evil, these heroes advanced over rough terrain against bombs and bullets and tanks. 

Today, their battle is against the unrelenting march of time and the inescapable effects of aging.  For these veterans, whose valor many of us only know from history books or movies, we still have the opportunity and sacred duty to express our gratitude.  So, we honor them as we aspire to be greater than we are.  If we desire to serve more than ourselves, we must honor them.

On this Memorial Day, I take time to draw special attention to one of these heroes, who is now hospitalized in Mississippi.

Ninety-four years ago, Thomas Oâ€Loughlin was born in an Irish-Catholic community in New Jersey.  When his country called him to war, Tom responded and made his first trip to Mississippi, courtesy of the U.S. Army, for training at Camp Shelby.  He deployed to the European Theater where in January 1944 he was captured by the Axis forces and held as prisoner of war for more than a year before liberation.  Following the war, Tom served as a guard during the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi war criminals. One of the prisoners in his charge was Deputy Fuhrer Rudolf Hess.

The post Senator HYDE-SMITH ISSUES STATEMENT FOR MEMORIAL DAY Mentions bAYONne Born VETERAN Thomas o’Loughlin first appeared on River View Observer.

It is universally agreed that 1939 was the greatest year in the history of the American Cinema. The year saw the release of a number of movies which are today considered true Classics.

The Academy Award Ceremony for 1939 was held on February 29, 1940 and was hosted by Bob Hope. The nominees for Best Picture were: 

The Wizard of Oz

Wuthering Heights

Gone With the Wind

Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Dark Victory

Ninotchka

Love Affair

Stagecoach

Of Mice And Men

Bring the name of the winner for Best Picture that evening to the Hudson County Genealogical Societyâ€s “Meet the Greatest Generation” event on April 14 at the Secaucus Public Library at 11 am and win a slice of their famous “Census Cake”.

The event will feature a talk, “Counting Heads – The History of the Census and How to Use it to Unlock Your Family History”; live 1940 Music preformed by Mark Wright; free “Census Cake” and coffee; and access to the media center with fourteen workstations where they will show you tips to find your 1940 families.

Admission is Free but space for the media center session is limited. Advance registration is suggested if you would like to take part in the media center research portion of the program.

Register online today at: hudsoncounty1940census.eventbrite.com

There is still plenty of room.

All persons submitting an incorrect answer to our question will receive a consolation prize of a free slice of “Census Cake”.

The post Hudson County Genealogical Society’s “Meet the Greatest Generation” event Secaucus Library April 14 first appeared on River View Observer.

 Louis Calamito, a decorated World War II veteran and a longtime resident of Monmouth Street in downtown Jersey City who died in 2005 will be honored In Memoriam when the City of Jersey City re-names the corner of 5^th and Monmouth Street “Louis Calamito Way.”

Through the efforts of Jersey City Council President Peter Brennan, Councilman Steve Fulup, the Village Neighborhood Association and Louis Calamito’s son, Vincent, the Resolution to rename the street corner received a unanimous “yes” vote by the City Council on January 26^th.  The official unveiling of the street sign will take place March 5^th with Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, Council President Brennan, downtown’s Ward “E” Councilman Fulop attending along with members of the Calamito family.

At Wednesday night’s Council meeting, each council member made a brief statement about Louis Calamito’s war service and his love for the Village section of Jersey City. Council President Brennan acknowledged that his dad and Louis Calamito grew up together in the same neighborhood and Jim Ayres, representing the Village Neighborhood Association described the dedication as a genuine and meaningful way to recognize Louis Calamito for his contribution in the military and to the City of Jersey City.

The Calamito family has made the Downtown Village section of Jersey City its home for more than 90 years and Louis Calamito, who was affectionately known as the “Official Mayor of Monmouth Street”  lived there all his life.  He owned his own business, served as a committeeman and throughout his retirement could be seen relaxing on his porch on Monmouth Street greeting new faces and old time Village residents and often offering his guidance and friendship to his neighbors.

A  WWII war hero, Louis Calamito earned several medals for bravery including The Bronze Star given to him for saving another soldier’s life during battle. He was married to Mary Calamito for 47 years and the couple raised four children: Joseph, Vincent, Michael and Lois Ann.

“My father was a great man,” Vincent Calamito says. “And on behalf of my family, I’m honored that the City of Jersey City is going to recognize him for his dedication to his country and the city he loved.”

The post Jersey City to Rename Street for WWII Hero and Longtime Resident Louis Calamito first appeared on River View Observer.