World War II Veteran Vince Panzano Named Volunteer of the Month

WEST CAPE MAY – West Cape May resident and World War II veteran, Vince Panzano, is the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities’ (MAC) Volunteer of the Month
Pictured Here (photo credit: William J. Harris): Vince Panzano, a local World War II veteran and a resident of West Cape May, greets visitors at the third floor of the World War II Lookout Tower, which features the “Wall of Honor,” “Cape May’s World War II Honor Roll,” and is dedicated to the brave men and women from the Cape May area who served during World War II.
Panzano was recently awarded the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities’ (MAC) Volunteer of the Month Award for July for his dedication and service to help further promote the important role Cape May, as well as its local veterans, played during the war years.
Panzano is a member of the Advisory Board for the “Friends of the World War II Lookout Tower” and participates in MAC’s World War II Educational Outreach programs in area schools. Drafted into the war during his freshman year at West Chester Teachers College, Panzano served in the Navy and was aboard a Heavy Cruiser that supported the troops at Normandy and transported President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Yalta Conference.
Panzano’s ship was also sent to the Pacific for the invasion of Japan and was involved with the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, Panzano went back to college and became a high school principal in Plymouth Whitemarsh, PA. 42 years later, Panzano retired and eventually moved to West Cape May full-time in 2006.
When asked what he enjoys the most about his involvement with the World War II Lookout Tower, Panzano said he likes “explaining my [World War II] experiences to people.” He thinks it is important to share stories of the war and said, “Young people especially should know and be aware.” The Volunteer of the Month award is given to a person who demonstrates a high degree of dedication, commitment and constancy to MAC’s volunteer program.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Barbara Hubmaster at 609-884-5404, ext. 109, or email bhubmaster@capemaymac.org.
The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all.
For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org.