The Quad

Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: News

On Tuesday, April 10, The Contemporary Issues Student Organization and the Office of Co-Curricular Programs presented a panel of guest speakers including WWII veterans in conjunction with two showings of "Flags of Our Fathers."

This recent World War II film from Academy Award Winners Steven Spielberg and Clint Eastwood was based on the bestselling book by James Bradley.

The film, which was shown in Sykes Theater, focused on the struggle for the island of Iwo Jima, and the fates of the six soldiers who raised the American flag in the famous portrait that was shown as a symbol of victory.

Brandon Traister, Coordinator of the World War II Lecture Institute in Abington, served as the leader of the guest panel which preceded the second showing of the film. Traister served in Iraq and has interviewed nearly 400 World War II veterans since his return.

Among the guest speakers were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Apice of Southampton, Pennsylvania.

Henry was a Private in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Henry spoke of his memories of fighting and being wounded at Iwo Jima, while his wife of nearly 67 years spoke of her memories of the home front, and her correspondence with Henry while he was away.

"I don't remember being scared; you had no time to be frightened," she said. "After a while you get immune to it I suppose."

Apice often mentioned that his memories of the war are still limited and vague.

Apice also compared World War II to today's war in Iraq.

"Everything today is at more of a distance," said Apice. "You often don't see your enemy."

Mrs. Apice spoke about her reaction to "Flags of Our Fathers," telling the audience that it was "more accurate than any other picture."

Michael Bak of Surf City, New Jersey, showed a brief slide show and spoke of his experiences as a U.S. Navy Quartermaster in the Philippines, Ulithi, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Bak's ship was responsible for rescuing 22 downed pilots in the Pacific.

Bak, who described his "many good memories" during his slide show, is also mentioned in "Operation Iceberg" by Gerald Astor and "Carrier War" by Paul Stilwell.

Donald Curry, a resident of West Chester, spoke of his memories of serving as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army in New Guinea, Morttai Island, the Napai Islands and the Philippines, and his involvement in four island invasions during his time.

"Get as much education as you can," Curry said, encouraging students to set goals while reminding them of the competition in today's workforce.

Continued...

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