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In honor of Veterans Day this month, we are rerunning an article that appeared in a past DSI Herald. Thank you to our Damato Post friends and all the vets in our country who proudly served. Please note: The Damato Post is currently looking for new members to join their community..
The Anthony P. Damato American Legion Post 792 is more than just a building that has stood in the heart of Shenandoah since 1944. It is a special place that honors the memory of a war hero whose act of heroism saved the lives of two American soldiers. This month, in honor of Veteran's Day, we are shining the spotlight on a man's legacy and the community of veterans who also bravely served our country.
According to history, Damato was in an active WWII battle in Japan on February, 1944. He and two other soldiers were in a foxhole when an enemy hand grenade was thrown on them. Damato bravely threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the explosion to save his friends' lives. He died instantly giving the ultimate sacrifice. He was only 21 years old.
For his heroic act, he received a Congressional Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt who wrote, " Corporal Damato's splendid initiative, fearless conduct and valiant sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades." In addition, a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy was named the USS Damato in his honor. A photograph of USS Damato hangs in the DSI office.
The Damato post building located at 116 N. Main Street, Shenandoah served as a community center for many years providing a meeting place and social spot for veterans. Today, it is the home of Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. and The Veterans Memorial Park where community members can gather. There are plaques throughout the building that honor Damato's memory as well as a large mural visible in the park designed by Shenandoah Valley high school students in 2009.
Veterans continue to manage the facility's activities, volunteer in their community, and provide scholarships to local students and donations to charitable organizations. The membership is not as robust as in previous years, but those who still participate work hard to keep the tradition alive. "I am proud to have served as a Marine and fought for our American freedom, said Eddie Bickowski, retired U.S. Marine. "Once a marine, always a marine," he said.
All veterans share a brotherhood bond," explained Gino Monahan, retired from U.S. Army. We use that bond to support each other and our community. I was drafted and it changed my life. The friends I made during the two years I served remain my life-long friends more than 53 years later. It's an amazing bond," he said. " Monahan added that the Damato Post is happy to support the Boy Scouts of America, local football teams, and donate to local nonprofit organizations.
“I appreciate everything they do for the town,” said Eric Becker. “It warms your heart to see the hard work and dedication to keep the local veteran’s memories alive.”
On behalf of everyone at Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. and our Shenandoah community, we want to sincerely thank all those who serve or have served our country.
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