God bless those who served
How surprised I was to see a photo of my cousin, Michael Vernillo, on the front page of the Observer-Reporter Friday. He was named a chevalier in the French Legion of Honor for his service in World War II. He and his brother, John Vernillo, both formerly of Burgettstown, were in combat. My aunt, their mother, spent many days in her home crying and worrying about her sons.
John told me about a time when he and Michael met briefly in France. A farmer’s wife gave John two fresh eggs and John wrapped them in his scarf and put them in his helmet. He hadn’t eaten in two or three days. The brothers met, and John gave Michael one of these precious eggs.
I was only 8-years-old when they both came home from that awful war. Many, many soldiers never made it back. My own husband was a soldier in the Korean War. God bless all of those who served.
Mary Anne Perko
Burgettstown