News-Info-Alerts

Re: Always A Place For Them

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: September 10, 2003

"Always a place for them: Waltham veterans dedicate POW/MIA memorial table
By Melissa Beecher / Tribune Staff Writer

WALTHAM -- Albert Peter Iodice may never be able to completely disclose what happened to him during his years as a prisoner of war, but one need only look at the old man's face when the Pledge of Allegiance is said to understand what words cannot express.

Iodice, a POW for one and a half years in World War II, was on hand yesterday to help dedicate a POW/MIA memorial at the Veterans Building on Prospect Hill Road.

"No one understands a POW like another POW," said Iodice. "Things like this, it makes you feel good and gets you a bit choked up."

Iodice was a keynote speaker, scheduled by Frank Berinato, a World War II Battle of the Bulge veteran, who brought the memorial to fruition.

"It is very, very important to remember those who are still missing and still dying, wherever they are," said Berinato. "It means the world to me to have this here, so that people realize that freedom is not free. Men and women went through, and are still going through hell so that we could all be lucky enough to be here today."

Forty-five veterans and their families gathered yesterday to celebrate the dedication of the memorial that is rich in symbolism.

A lonely table-for-one sits unoccupied in the left corner of the Veterans Building, draped in a white tablecloth. The small table signifies the frailty of prisoners, alone against their oppressors.

Atop the table lies a single place setting with a lemon and salt served as the main course. The lemon signifies the bitter fate of POW/MIA's mission, the salt represents tears of the families that await their return.

An inverted wine glass illustrates how the missing cannot toast meaningful passages in their lives, while a single red rose represents the blood that may have been shed in sacrifice to the United States.

"A single candle burns, reminiscent of light and hope their lives have in our hearts. It also illuminates the way home, away from captors to the open arms of a grateful nation," said Berinato.

Near the elaborate spread stands the American flag.

After last night's dedication, Iodice spoke to his comrades. Larry O'Brien, a singing chaplain from Old Orchard Beach, Maine, serenaded the group with "The POW Song" and "My Buddy."

Mayor David Gately also made an appearance at the event, thanking veterans for their service to the country and community.

"Just look around and see the men and women who come out to support each other and remember those that are still missing," said Walter Hoyt, Waltham's Director of Veteran Services. "This is sacred for the vets, to remember those still missing and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice."

"You are not forgotten so long as there is one left in whom your memory remains," said Berinato. "This table set for one is a symbol of that memory."

Melissa Beecher can be reached at 781-398-8005 or mbeecher@cnc.com.

©CNC and Herald Interactive Advertising Systems, Inc."