The Express Newspaper August 31, 2017

Marine Dick Varone at VJ Ceremony – by S. McBride

   On August 15, 1945, the welcome news resounded all across the world that the Emperor of Japan had agreed to terms of unconditional surrender to the United States of America, bringing World War II to an end.  And on August 15, 2015, the 70th anniversary of that day, Francis J. “Dick” Varone, formerly of Mechanicville, will be among three veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from our nation’s capital.

Read the article in the August 13th edition.

Mechanicville: 1947 – by S. McBride

   The 1947 Hudson Valley Firemen’s Association Convention booklet in which I found the tributes to the firemen of our community who died serving our nation in World War II (The Express- April 8) provides us with a vivid perception of Mechanicville as it was in postwar days.

   A global war with profound consequences for all mankind had ended just two years earlier. All over the world, soldiers had resumed their lives as citizens while cities, towns and industries were being rebuilt. Most of the people who had been displaced from the war zones had relocated and life had settled into a new “normal”.

Read the entire article in the April 23 edition.

WWII Vet Henry Marcelle Honored – by H. Wessell

BALLSTON SPA, February 24 –  He was born on the Fourth of July, and gave his life for what that date means to millions of, and now 239 years, of Americans.  On this day, he was remembered by  Saratoga County’s program  honoring its Deceased Veterans,  held every month since  1999.
  Henry A.  Marcelle – known as Rocky, as he is called to this day by his family – was born in Mechanicville on that date in 1924. He attended Mechanicville High School; and was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 34.  He was employed at the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, and a member of the Church of the Assumption.

Oscar Brundige WWII Vet Remembered – by H. Wessell

BALLSTON SPA, January 20  – Since August 1999  Saratoga County has recognized over 300 residents who answered the call of duty, in monthly Deceased Veteran memorial ceremonies held by the Board of Supervisors and the County's Veterans Service Agency.

   This month's honoree was Oscar Brundige of the Town of Stillwater.

Read the entire article in the Jan. 29 issue.