Among those who joined World War II Iwo Jima survivor Joe Caminiti at the Bristol Public Library for a special viewing of Caminiti’s portrait was John Lodovico, a Vietnam War veteran who was able to get to the viewing during his lunch hour, according to Neal Supranovich, Post 2 historian who sent along the information with some photos of other locations where prints of the portrait also are on display.
This year, 2024, marks the year Caminiti celebrates his 100th birthday. This and other celebrations are in the planning.
Left, Camp Pendleton where the original portrait hangs on the wall at the Military Museum there. Right, is a photo of a copy of the portrait that hangs in the Bristol Memorial Military Museum. | Neal Supranovich
Lodovico, who is a member of local American Legion Post 2, donated the funds to have the portrait framed, Supranovich said. He came out during his lunch hour so that he could be there for the viewing. Caminiti prefers not to drive later in the day, so noon was the agreed upon time for the viewing.
Caminiti’s portrait, one in a series by artist Don Scott celebrating the last living World War II veterans, will hang permanently in the History Room at the Bristol Public Library alongside a photo of the late Ed Riccio another World War II veteran from Bristol.
The Military Museum at Camp Pendleton, left, and a close up of the portrait of World War II veteran Joe Caminiti that is hanging there. | Neal Supranovich
An original portrait hangs in the Military Museum at Camp Pendleton. There are two copies of the portrait, one that now hangs in the Bristol Public Library, and another that hangs in the Bristol Memorial Military Museum.
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