SMETHPORT — Two World War II veterans attended the Veterans Day program Saturday at the Bucktail Post #138, Smethport American Legion.
Dick Rounsville and Clint Williams are two of the dwindling number of American veterans of the most destructive war in human history.
Noting that Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, guest speaker Tony Alfieri, a Smethport attorney, recounted several stories of his grandfather, Antonio Alfieri, who was born in Italy, immigrated to America, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1917 and fought at some of the most famous battles in the war to “end all wars.”
“After completing training at Fort Lee, my grandfather shipped out to France,” Alfieri said. “He fought at the Battle of the Somme, Meuse-Argonne, the largest battle ever fought by Americans, and the Battle of Saint-Mihiel toward the end of the war. During combat, he was a victim of poison gas and sent to a hospital.”
Despite the gas poisoning, Antonio survived.
“After the war, in addition to receiving two medals, he was given two things. The first was his 30-40 Krag that I used to kill my first deer, and most importantly, he also received his naturalization papers for American citizenship.
Returning to Italy in 1922 while Benito Mussolini was in power, Antonio refused Fascist demands to renounce his U.S. citizenship, forcing him into bankruptcy.
Tony Alfieri’s father, Dominic, served with the Army in World War II, as did his uncle, Joseph, a medic.
At the request of the Legion, Alfieri also spoke about his membership in community organizations that help the area youth.
Alfieri is president of the Smethport Area School District Foundation, founded in 2005 to fund educational opportunities that aren’t funded in the school budget.
“We raise money through an annual golf tournament, district employees’ contributions and bequeaths,” he said. “The money is awarded in two ways. One is for scholarships for graduating seniors to further their post-secondary education The second is venture grants, which are for activities that teachers have to supplement their classroom instruction.”
Since 1984, Alfieri has been a Rotarian and currently serves as president of the local club. Rotarians were the original sponsor of Smethport Boy Scout Troop 501 and they helped raise funds for the town swimming pool, purchased Christmas lights for Main Street, funded the skating facility and basketball court, both in Hamlin Lake Park, and sponsor two high school students to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
At Smethport Area High School, Alfieri has advised the team for the annual interscholastic mock trial, a project of enrichment classes.
Adjutant Seth Digel reported on the Post’s Veterans Day schedule of events that included visits to the elementary and high schools, as well as Sena Kean Manor and Lakeview Senior Care and Living Center.
In his commander’s update, Pat Miesowitz invited members to visit the kitchen, which is now completely renovated and spoke about the importance of maintaining and increasing membership.
Miesowitz also introduced the post officers and past commanders.
Jack Rosenswie reported on the giant parade that is planned for Smethport on Sept. 2, 2019, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the American Legion as a national organization.
Marcia Jordan of the legion auxiliary reviewed the year’s activities that included service projects and fundraisers.
Gerry Ford reported on the projects of the Sons of the American Legion. Among these are care of the Goodwin Cemetery, Post home kitchen renovations and vital roles in the Ride of Pride.
Miesowitz presented Jordan and Ford with Commander’s Appreciation Awards.
Rosenswie also conducted the POW/MIA ceremony, assisted by family members of Bill Barton and Robert Cochran
Post members with 50 and 60 years of continuous membership were honorary guests. They were Joe Marinik, 60 years, and those 50-year members are Terry Hess, David Lamborn, Patrick Foley, Ray Kleisath and Herbert Russell.
Veterans of all wars and conflicts were recognized. These included World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan/Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Iraq War. Peacetime veterans were also recognized.
Post officers conducted the Post Everlasting Ceremony that honored those members who have passed away in the past year: Jay Chapman, Garvin Dille, Arlington Dunkle, Willard Morgan, Albert Rossi, Lawrence Cochran, William Duffy, Daryl Frey Sr., Joe Null Sr. and Eric Thomas.
