From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby hero PFC Frank P. Witek

With today being Pearl Harbor Day, this week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo was taken at Witek Park in Derby. It reflects the American Flag over the dedication plaque that honors PFC Frank P. Witek.

Born Dec. 10, 1921, Witek was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the First Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, during the Battle of Finegayan at Guam, Marianas, on Aug. 3, 1944."

More recently, the pristine, 144 acre Witek Park was dedicated on May 29,1999 in memory of this brave Derby hero. http://electronicvalley.org/derby/witekpark.htm

[First posted on this date in 2015.]

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Ansonia to mark Pearl Harbor Day in ceremony Friday at Veterans Park

 

Ansonia ceremony marks 82nd anniversary of Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

Mayor David S. Cassetti honors the memory of Ansonia native Jim Sardo, a U.S. Marine and hero who gave his life in battle on Okinawa, an island in the South Pacific. He was only 20 years old.

Members of Gordon Visselli Post 50 American Legion of Ansonia fire three rounds into the sky. 

The Ansonia High School chorus led by music teacher Maria Tangredi performed several patriotic songs during the 30-minute program.

Read all about the annual ceremony here in a story by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich in the Valley Independent Sentinel. 

Ansonia ceremony to remember 82nd anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor

 

Ansonia to mark A Day of Remembrance on Pearl Harbor Day