'We Gave Up Our Youth, And We Gave It Up Willingly' The Sun -- November 12, 2006
By JENNIFER AMY MYERS, Sun Staff
Leon Belley, 80, is determined to
"live to 100 for my grandchildren," and thanks Harry S Truman for the chance.
Clad in the shiny blue Tewksbury VFW Post 8164 jacket given to him by his son, Belley leaned back on the couch in the lobby of the Blaire House nursing home and closed his eyes. Instantly, he was transported to the days he spent as a teenage U.S. Navy seaman in the Pacific Theater more than 60 years ago.
"Our ship was ready to attack Japan after Okinawa, and then Harry Truman dropped two atom bombs and saved our lives," said Belley, who served during World War II and the Korean War aboard LST 1006 and later LST 1126.
Nineteen veterans who reside at
Blaire House were honored in a brief ceremony yesterday morning. Only Belley was able to go outside to hear the
Tewksbury High School band and watch firefighter Dan Sawicki, who served with the U.S. Army in
Afghanistan, lower the American flag.
Sawicki slowly unwrapped the coiled rope from around the pole, lightly tugging at each side until the majestic Stars and Stripes sat solemnly at half staff. Having found its place, he twisted the rope five times around the pole's handle, confident the flag that he and millions of others had so proudly fought for was secured.
"This is a great day for America," Post member Don Sheehan said.
Staff writer David Silverstein contributed to this report.
For more information on Blaire House Assisted Living contact us online or via email.