Special to ASSIST News Service
As we celebrate “Patriot Day”, our attention turns to another 9/11, a day of infamy, just 10 years ago. First responders did all they could, some died in their attempt to save others. They were firefighters, policemen, the medics and other rescue workers. As a nation watched, we were asking why? Who? What? When?
We watched as buildings burst into flames, we saw people jump to certain death, the sirens wailed, suffocating smoke and ashes robbed thousands of clean air. People ran to escape the danger. Many stopped on their way to help others escape.
As we learned about what was going on in other parts of the nation in addition to the Twin Towers in New York City, the anxiety and bewilderment mounted. The Pentagon in Washington, D. C. was attacked and a plane crashed in Pennsylvania. No planes were allowed to fly. Airports were closed.
Men, women and youth of many ages were ready to do whatever they could to help. They were feeling a little of what Joseph Addison meant when writing, “What a pity it is that we can die but once to save our country.”
I recall when I was teaching a college speech class a young man became very excited about the tie I was wearing. It was striped in the bright colors of his homeland, Kenya, East Africa. An educator in that beautiful and magnificent country gave it to me. In many countries, I have found that people love the land of their birth.
When I was living in the grand city of Decatur, Illinois, I met a man who would stand at the top of the list of the most amazing men I have ever known. He was born in Tricarico, Italy, October 7, 1909. Five months before he was born, his father, Rocco, came to the United States to work in the coal mines of Decatur.
Antonio Romano was affectionately known as “Tony” in his adopted home town of Decatur and throughout the world. Few men have ever been as well known in so many places as he was. The entire Romano family was one of the finest I have ever known. They introduced pizza to Decatur and appropriately called it “Romano’s Pizza”, and by far, it was the most delicious pizza I have ever eaten. Our family, Kitty, Elizabeth, Mark, and I, helped Antonio eat the last pizza they ever made.
Tony was a devout Christian, led to faith in Jesus Christ by his beautiful wife, Cleo Fair Romano. They had three talented daughters, Toni, Sandi and Susan. This little dark haired five-year old immigrant lad came with his beautiful mother, Domenica, to settle in Decatur on June 28, 1914.
When he retired on December 31, 1971, he had worked as a senior electrician for the A. E. Staley Company for 39 years, had spent 33 years with the United States Marines in active and reserve duty, and saw action in World War II and the Korean War.
He was of brilliant mind and warm heart. A widely known speaker, he traveled abroad for conventions and conferences 18 different times. He took seriously the words of Jesus, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
He was a patriot like Nathan Hale, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Dr. Antonio Romano was one of the greatest men I have ever known. If Decatur has a “Patriots Hall of Fame”, he should be in it.
-30-
| Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 2,000 newspaper and magazine columns, articles and contributions to books. He is also a widely known motivational speaker and pulpit guest who utilizes enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems makes him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher. For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089. |  |
No comments:
Post a Comment