'A Day to Honor Heroes'

Memorial services, flag ceremonies, panel discussion part of Veterans Day observance

Memorial services, flag ceremonies, rifle volley and a panel discussion by World War II veterans will be part of Mount Washington Valley's Veterans Day observance."A Day to Honor Heroes" is the theme for today's activities, which begin at 11 a.m. with an ecumenical memorial service at First Congregational Church in North Conway.The memorial service will be followed by a flag ceremony at 12:30 p.m. in North Conway's Schouler Park. Frank McCarthy, commander of American Legion Post 95, will open the ceremony. William Hounsell, local community leader, will serve as guest speaker offering a special commemoration honoring Sgt. Emando Brandolini, a veteran of the Normandy invasion, 25-year member, former commander and present sergeant at arms of American Legion Post 95. Kennett High School Band will provide music, along with John Hively offering a closing of "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes after the flag-folding ceremony and rifle volley.The Veterans Day observance will continue with a veterans luncheon at Red Jacket Mountain View Resort. This luncheon buffet will be offered to veterans free of charge. There is a $15 charge for all others.The luncheon will be followed by a program entitled "World War II A Veteran's Perspective," sponsored by Alamo Aviation Art & Historical Prints. Speakers include veterans who served in World War II as pilots, mechanics, gunners, radio operators, and notably, two authors who went on to write books about their experiences in World War II. The public is invited.Schedule of events11 a.m. Ecumenical Memorial Service, First Congregational Church, North Conway.12:30 p.m. flag ceremony, Schouler Park. Opening by Frank McCarthy, commander of American Legion Post 95; special commemoration of Sgt. Emando Brandolini by William Hounsell; flag-folding ceremony; John Hively and Kennett High School band.1:30 p.m. Veterans' Luncheon, Red Jacket Mountain View Resort. Buffet menu, which is $15, includes hors d'oeuvres, chef's soup selection, assorted salads, chicken cordon bleu, baked stuffed haddock, roast loin of pork, chef's vegetable and potato, and Red Jacket dessert table.3 to 4 p.m. "World War II A Veteran's Perspective," sponsored by Alamo Aviation Art, at the Red Jacket. Panelists include Leo Battista, P47 pilot; Bob Canney, C54 radio mechanic; Roger Krey, glider pilot; Joe Lovo, B17 radar navigator and author of "Listen My Children and Stay Free"; Dan McCarthy, B17 radio operator; Ed McKenzie, B17 gunner and author of "Men at War, Boys in Peace"; Curt Tinker, P38 supply tech; Earl Smith, B17 gunner; George Rutj, F6F pilot; Robert Senger, B24/B17 navigator; and Mike Murphy, aircraft designer.