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April 30, 2007

Local Heroes

Memorial Day weekend is a grand one here in Darien. Our fine parade and the fun and popular Post 53 Food Fair at Tilley Pond capture the feeling of a time gone by. Here's something else that you won't want to miss!

Remembering the Vets: Yesterday's Heroes is a special event, sponsored by Darien Continuing Education*...it will be held at the Library on Sunday, May 27th from 2-4 p.m.

Memorial Day is a day to honor those that have given their lives in battle. It's also an appropriate time to pause and also honor those who've served and lived to tell about it.

Listen to local veterans of World War II, Everett F. Gidley, Jim Benham, and Rawle Deland. They'll be telling their stories and answering questions at this fascinating event. Mr. Gidley, an Air Force pilot, was shot down over Germany by anti-aircraft fire in a dive bombing run. Mr. Benham was at Pearl Harbor on the U.S.S. Farragut; with all senior officers ashore, he was in charge and managed to save the destroyer and its crew. Rawle Deland fought at the Battle of Okinawa, which Churchill called "among the most intense and famous in military history." Mr. Deland received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.

You just KNOW that this will be an awe-inspiring and eventful event! As a preview, Janet and I will be meeting with Mr. Gidley next week for an interview about the program, and we'll put that interview up on the web as a podcast. (Check back next week (right here) to listen to the podcast.)

* The proceeds will go to the Darien Library Building Fund. Please visit Darien Continuing Education for more information at www.darienps.org/dce/spring 2007

Posted by BarbaraT at April 30, 2007 03:31 PM