SOUTH PHILLY: Veteran’s Day Mass Gives Honors To Vets

by Maria Merlino

St. Paul and St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Parish observed Veterans Day with a special mass honoring all the past and present service men and women of our country on Sunday, Nov. 8.

There was also a blessing of the MIA/POW Medallion Display that is in the reserved pew in the front of the church. The Veterans Day Mass was followed by a reception in the Columbus House.

Gino Fausto, who is a volunteer at the parish and also a National Guardsman, talked about his uncle, Fortunato “John” Fausto.

“He was in a great battle in the Philippines during WWII. He was wounded but courageously fought on and never quit. He was given four medals, two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star for valor.”

South Philadelphia’s singing sensation Felicia Punzo was also in attendance.

“This is the Church that I love! It’s so beautiful and the parishioners sing!” she said.

Her uncles, Tom Sestito Sr. and his son Tom Jr. were in Korea.

“I spent two years in the Navy during the Korean War. It wasn’t fun but the job had to get done,” said Sestito Sr.

His son is very proud of him.

Veterans Day is a reminder that freedom isn’t free. It bought with the blood, sweat, tears and souls of our valiant military personnel.

A PEW IN the St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi church has been dedicated to all the service men and women. Photo by Maria Merlino

PLACARD DEDICATING a pew to veterans of foreign wars. Photo by Maria Merlino

VETERANS from every war were honored. Photo by Maria Merlino

FATHER JOHN LARGE of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi blesses the pew that will remain unoccupied during Mass in memory of our soldiers. Photo by Maria Merlino

ALL BRANCHES of the military were represented by their flags. Photo by Maria Merlino

THE ST. MARY Magdalen de Pazzi Children’s Choir sang a delightful rendition of God Bless America. Photo by Maria Merlino

THE VERY TALENTED and beautiful Felicia Punzo proudly shows off her military relatives, Tom Sestito Sr. and his son Tom Jr. Photo by Maria Merlino

DIRECTOR OF THE St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Children’s Choir, Delores Malrino Father John Large and volunteer, Gino Fausto. Photo by Maria Merlino

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