On the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Bristol community members gathered at the Public Library to celebrate a hometown hero.
Joe Caminiti, who served in the 3rd Marine Division during World War II, was honored on Sunday alongside five other World War II veterans, aged 98 to 103, including fellow Iwo Jima survivors, Joseph Richard and Frank Peters of the 4th Marine Division.
“Ninety-eight-years old, he still takes the stairs two, three times a day,” said Aaron Elson. “He’s still in great condition; he worked 30 years for New Departure; he’s a piece of Bristol history.”
Elson, 73, is an author and oral historian.
Right: Joe Caminiti and his portrait | Laura Bailey Photos
Right: World War II veteran Frank Peters receiving a birthday card. Laura Bailey
The Iwo Jima/World War II Veterans Reunion event was emceed by Neal Supranovich and organized by Bristol American Legion Post 2, the Bristol Memorial Museum and the World War II legacy Foundation.
In attendance were Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano, Connecticut state representatives Cara Pavalock-D’Amato (R, 77th District), Joe Hoxa (R, 78th District), Mary Fortier (D, 79th District) and city councilor Andrew Howe (R, District 3).
Right: State Representative Joe Hoxa (R, 78th District) applauds Joe Caminiti. | Laura Bailey Photo
“I don’t feel fully adequate to be up here, such an esteemed group of people here today, and certainly honor all that they have done,” said Caggiano. “It gives me great pleasure to see all these people here coming to support all of our soldiers.”
One of the highlights of the afternoon was seeing Caminiti’s portrait immortalized on canvas. artist and Air Force veteran Don Scott, who travels the country painting veterans, unveiled his painting of Caminiti to the crowd.
Right: Don Scott (left) presents a print to Joe Caminiti. | Laura Bailey Photo
“During the height of World War II, 11 percent served in the military; today, it’s less than 1 percent,” said Scott. “So if you see someone in uniform, please thank them for their service.”
“The reason why we’re doing these paintings to honor these veterans,” continued Scott, “well, a lot of these guys, we don’t want to see their stories lost; we also don’t want them forgotten.”
Caminiti will receive a special limited-edition print of the painting and the original will be hung in Washington D.C.
The Iwo Jima/World War II Veteran reunion also featured the reading of the names of the 100 U.S. servicemen killed at the Battle of Iwo Jima, the ringing of the bell from the dedication of the Iwo Jima Monument and a POW/MIA Missing Man Table Ceremony held in honor of those who never returned home.
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
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