D-DAY: Where were you 62 years ago? If it was on the beaches of
Normandy, you know you’re lucky to be alive. And the rest of us are
lucky you were there – or we might not be here.
Elmer DeLucia of Bradford has been making the rounds in the last
few weeks talking to school students about his experiences not just
on D-Day but during the Battle of the Bulge, and other milestones
in World War II.
He also gave talks at the hospital and to a student from Penn
State who went to his home to interview him about the war.
When we talk to Elmer, we’re always amazed at how fresh his
memories are – despite the 62 years.
Elmer tells us the students are nearly unable to comprehend what
it would be like to endure 313 days in combat, 62 straight days on
the line. “Through rain, mud, snow … always in foxholes, same
clothes on.”
“The eve before D-Day, a priest said Mass for us. We did not
know it then but many would see just one more day. Some of my best
friends were killed in action,” he tells us.
Many are familiar with the story of Elmer and his family during
World War II. It was about 10 years ago that the remains of his
brother, Anthony “Bib” DeLucia were discovered on a hillside with
those of his comrades and the wreckage of their plane. It has
crashed in China while returning from a mission during the war.
The discovery after so many years, of course, was quite a story.
And, at long last, the DeLucias were able to bring “Bib” home to be
buried in the family plot at St. Bernard Cemetery.
Elmer and his brothers, “Bib” and Augie, have four Purple Hearts
between them – and plenty of other medals.
THE WALL: While we’re on the subject of war heroics, a bit of
commentary about last week’s visit to Smethport of the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial Moving Wall.
The memorial itself is quite a stark and somber reflection of
the 50,000-plus who lost their lives in Vietnam. It’s something
people need to see.
Our thanks and congratulations to the committee of Smethport men
and women who orchestrated the four-day visit. They did an
outstanding job – in virtually a steady downpour of rain – and are
to be commended.
