World War II Vet-Musician Still Plays in Middle Township Ceremony

COURT HOUSE — Memorial Day in Middle Township brought some World War II veterans to the Thurston Elmer Wood American Legion Post 198 for the annual observance.
Among those veterans from the last world war was John Finiello of Philadelphia, a member of the John A. Walters Community Band.
He proudly wore his Veterans of Foreign Wars garrison car as he played his instrument as he had aboard the USS Prairie in the Pacific Theater during the war.
Finiello was a Navy third class Musician’s Mate during that war, and he still enjoys the privilege of playing with the local band of music makers. He is a summer residence at Carol Lynn Resort, Woodbine.
The band performed under the baton of Richard Ludwig, retired Middle Township High School Panther Marching Band director. The group played a medley of patriotic music as the crowd waited for the conclusion of Middle Township’s Memorial Day parade, which began at 10 a.m. and wound its way through the county seat.
Ludwig had the opportunity to learn the join Walters and Panther Band in the Star Spangled Banner at the beginning of the ceremony. The band then departed for its second parade of the day in Stone Harbor.
James Lewis, Post 198 Commander was master of ceremonies.
Rev. John O’Leary, pastor of Our Lady of Angels Roman Catholic Church delivered both Invocation and Benediction.
Speakers included Mayor F. Nathan Doughty, Committeeman Stephen Barry and Committeewoman Susan DeLanzo and First District Assemblyman Matthew Milam (D-1st).
Winners of the Legion-sponsored essay contest for fifth graders in Middle Township schools read their winning entries. They were, Jonathan Whipple, first place, Daniel Gariano, second place and Dan DeVico, third place.
Peg Dougherty read the war poem, “In Flanders Field.”
Wreathes were placed at the Legion monument and the Dramis Memorial, adjacent to the Legion post.
Ryan Hewitt played “Taps” after dead were saluted.