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.

 Intersection of Monmouth and 5th Streets as Louis Calamito Way

 -Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy and members of the Municipal Council will dedicate the intersection of Monmouth Street and Fifth Street as Louis Calamito Way on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.  ”

In dedicating the intersection of Monmouth and 5th Streets to Louis Calamito,” said Mayor Healy. “We pay tribute to his contributions to Jersey City and to this great country. I wish the Calamito family happiness in their endeavors and thank them for their support of our Jersey City neighborhoods, especially Monmouth Street.”

Louis Calamito, born on April 8th, 1923 in downtown Jersey City, lived his entire life on Monmouth Street where he was known as the “Mayor of Monmouth Street,” and attended P.S.#5. An active member in the community, he was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Rosary Church, a Jersey City business owner, and a Hudson County Democratic Committeeman.

On June 26, 1946, married Mary Saccente, and together they are blessed with four children: Lois Ann, Joe, Vin (who now carries the title of “Mayor of Monmouth Street”) and Michael. Mr. Calamito was also a devoted grandfather to Brendan, Lisa, Erin,Tammy, William and Thomas and a great grandfather to Brayden, Addyson, Ava, Billy, Kaylee, and Jaidah.

 

 Mr. Calamito’s father, Joseph Calamito, was a soldier during World War I and was stationed in Italy. During the war, he was imprisoned and later escaped captivity. It was his father’s heroic deeds that Louis wanted to emulate and so he joined the Military to serve his country, his city, and his community with absolute honor and valor.

Louis was as a soldier with the Distinguished America Division, serving 19 months in the War Zone and engaged in fierce combat in the Philippines. He was honored for his service to his country and his community with the following awards: two Bronze Stars, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II- US 1941-1945 Freedom of Speech and Religion, the Efficiency Honor and Fidelity, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Like his father, Louis, inspired his sons to follow in his footsteps and serve in the military as well. His son Michael, a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, served in Iraq from 2006 to 2007; and his other son, Joe, joined the Army in 1969 during the height of the Vietnam War, was deployed for 13 months in South Korea and served two years.

There will be a short program before the unveiling of the street sign. Officiating the ceremony is Father Rino Lavaroni of Holy Rosary Parish, and speakers include: Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy; members of the Municipal Council; the JC Village Neighborhood Association, members of the Calamito family and a few residents.

Following the street dedication ceremony, there will be a small reception sponsored by the JC Village Association and The Lampost Bar & Grill, located on 2nd Street and Brunswick Street.

Louis Calamito was my father, he was a wonderul man who loved Jersey City and his neighborhood on Monmouth Street.  On behalf of my family I want to thank Jersey City Mayor Jerrimiah Healy, the Jersey City Municipal Council with special thanks to Council President Peter Brennan, and Ward E Councilman Steve Fullop,Pam Andes of Councilman Fullops office and the JC Neighborhood Village Association and everyone at Lamppost Bar and Grille-

-Joseph Calamito, Publisher of the River View Observer

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Imagination can be a powerful force, and

if used creatively it can give way to magnificent creations. Let’s take New Jersey filmmaker Patrick Knipe for example; his compilation of imagination coupled with inspiration has brought to fruition films that are suspenseful and explore the human psyche.

Born in the town of Vernon, NJ, Knipe grew up in a heavily wooded area, his surroundings inspired him and tales of war told to him by his grandfather, who fought on Iowa Jima during World War II at the young age of 17, convinced Knipe that he wanted to write. As the years passed by his interested in the art of storytelling and filmmaking grew. In 2003, Knipe graduated with honors from Boston College with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Film Studies. He would then go on to England for a year to study English, American and Irish Literature at the St. Edmund Hall of Oxford University. His continued interest for filmmaking would lead him to the University Of Southern California School Of Cinematic Arts where he earned an MFA in Film and TV Production.

It was during his time at the USC School of Cinematic Arts that Knipe would create a very compelling short film that would explore the effects of war; as seen through the eyes of a young soldier. In his short film “Scarecrow” which is set during the Civil War, Knipe  tells the story of a young confederate soldier named Jack who goes off to war to become a hero, the battle torn grounds horrify the young soldier and he runs away only to head into a nearby cornfield.
     It is in this cornfield that the story of Jack begins and where true courage and honor are born. Knipe explains, “Scarecrow delves right into the bloodiest period of American History and the incredible sacrifice and loss our country endured in order to determine its identity and ensure the freedom of all men and women. It is an especially relevant tale in these tumultuous times.”
      To date “Scarecrow” has won numerous awards for Knipe, it has won a total of eight awards and has played in 17 film festivals throughout North America. The next step for “Scarecrow” will be submission to film festivals abroad.

Writing and filmmaking have always been a passion for the young Knipe, but it is also his skill at the art of sound design that makes this young director a “triple threat”. Equipped with all of these components Knipe brings to his films tales of “bravery, compassion and human response.”
     Similar to the great film director Alfred Hitchcock, who throughout his career pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genre, Knipe is unique in that he adds his own personal touch of sincerity to his characters.
     At present Knipe is hard at work on a supernatural thriller which takes place in New Jersey.  
He is also working with his production company, “Mythmakers” on a family feature film which he co-wrote and co-produced called, “A Touch of Magic, which is set to go into production in late 2010.
     When asked what advice he would give to new up and coming filmmakers, he explained, “Itâ€s important to have a completed film project to show investors what youâ€re capable of.  You need to develop a thick skin against rejection and harsh criticism. You also need to believe in yourself and your work.”
     Believing and accomplishing is something this young director has achieved. His goal is to   continue to write, produce, work on sound design and focus on future directing projects. His mission is to entertain and to bring stories to the screen that captivate and move the soul.
     Truth is Patrick Knipe has definitely accomplished his mission. His film “Scarecrow” certainly moves the soul and takes you to a new level. Interested in learning more about Patrick Knipe and his film “Scarecrow” sign on to www.scarecrow film.com and explore.

The post New Jersey Writer/Director Patrick Knipe Takes Filmmaking to a New Level first appeared on River View Observer.