Ninety-six years ago, in 1923 Lawrence Belmont was born in Upstate New York the son of Italian immigrants. His father did not speak English and Larry would only learn to speak the language after the age of three. School was not easy, when he asked his teacher if he would pass English she said “DD.” “DD?” he responded. “Yes, DD Damn Doubtful.” At age 18 while driving he heard the radio announcement of the attack at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He did not know where Hawaii was, but he knew we were now at war. Soon thereafter he “received an invitation from the President of the United States” he says – it was a draft notice. He joined the army and after basic training on Long Island he was assigned to the 225thAntiaircraft Searchlight Battalion. He sailed for Europe with his company on the Queen Mary and arrived in Scotland in December of 1943. Six months later he was sailing across another body of water, the English Channel. He landed on Omaha Beach on June 14th and he was never more scared in his life. Larry survived the invasion and the war and went on to serve another 20 years retiring in 1965.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZFZ9wIARqMLarry, a very congenial happy man, joined us at the New York Military Academy this week in honor of Veteran’s Day. Sharing his life’s story, he brought to the cadets of the Corps the account of a soldier who gave his all for his nation. Larry says he is among the greatest generation. He says it was because they knew what it was like to be hungry, to have nothing, to survive day to day, that is what made their generation so great. So, when they were called to war and give everything, they did just that. This he said is why they are the greatest generation.
For the Cadets of the Corps meeting 96-year-old Mr. Belmont, having the opportunity to talk with him, shake his hand, and thank him for his service as Cadets Masciotta and Tyrone did when they stood before him and in unison saluted, allowed our students the chance to appreciate what it means to serve your nation when asked. As a token of our appreciation we presented him with a present, a small crystal paperweight with the NYMA seal and a birthday celebration in the mess. Larry thanked us and said he wanted to be buried with the paperweight because the day meant so much to him. At 96 Larry’s story is coming to an end, but by coming to the New York Military Academy and visiting with our Corps his story is now ours and will continue on for generations. For Larry and all those who served we are indeed truly thankful.
