The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-07-27

fTSSeI1Cdt1O11 O1 AI1 uOI1O1d4y AAS membership in the Connecticut De- partment, Italian American World War Veterans, to Meyer Schwol- sky, manager of the U.& s. Veter- ans Facility at Newington; Spir- tied appeal by Attorney General Francis Pallotti for the elimination of hyphenism in the daily life of Americans; adoption of resolutions pledging the departments unquali- fled support to President Roose- welt in the au-out war effort and the election of state officers were among the highlightS of the eighth annual convention held in Waterbury over the week end.
 The three-day session closed yes- teNday afternoon in Floria Post headquarters with the election of Dcmenic Mercuguano of New Haven as state commander, succeeding Mi- chael Giordano of Waterbury, and the selection of Mrs. Julia Caporale of New Haven, state president of the auxiliary, replacing Mrs. Mary Palladini of Derby, New Haven was chosen as the scene of the 1943 con- vention.
 Viewed from all angles the 1922 convention will go on record as one of the finest and most successful sessions in the history of the or- ganization.
 Dinner Dance
 A representative gathering of representatives of the local veter- ans organization joined 8 lost of prominent guests of honor Satur- day evening in the enjoyment of the conventions social highlight dinner dance at the Elton. Atty Frederick c. Palomba officiated most efficiently as toastmaster.
 Past National Commander John DePastino after lauding the memory of the late Major Thomas J. Ban nigan paid tribute to MT. Schwolsky for his outstanding services to World War veterans of Connecticut. He presented him with a beautifully in- scribed scroll testlfyi::g to his hon. orary membership in the staet de- partment of the Italian American World war veterans. With the scroll went the esteem the gratitude and affection of hundreds of veter ans, MT. DePastino declared. MT. Schwolsky in a very effective speech of acceptance lauded the war rec ords and peace-time of the Italian veterans, spoke of his own son now serving with the armed forces and in referring to the honor conferred upon him asked: Where else in the world, but in America could this thing happen? He concluded with the remark that he wouldn't sacri- flee one finger of his only son for land acquisition in the world con- flict, but he would gladly offer in sacrifice his sons life to perpetuate the American life and American principles.
 we're all Americans, so let's stop promoting racial groups" declared Attorney General Pallotti. He paid tribute to the thousands of youths of Italian extraction now serving the armed forces, not as Italians but as Americans, and concluded with the remark, You have no apology to offer for your Americanism. 1n- cidentally Atty. Pallottis only son is serving in the U. s. Army.
 The greetings of Gov. Robert A. Hurley were conveyed to the gath ering by Colonel Anthony Telesca of Torrington.
 Gifts Presented
 Retiring State Commander Mi chael Giordano was peresented with several gifts, including a gavel and block taken from H. M. s. Rodney, which sank the Nazi battleship Bis marck. Gifts were also given to Mrs. Giordano, president of Floria Post auxiliary, to Mrs. Palladini, state president, and to Mrs. Ann Pansulo of Hartford, national presi- dent. National Commander John Capporale of New Haven was pre- sented with a trophy for obtaining individually the greatest number of new members for the state depart ment during 1941.
 Mayor Vincent A. Scully, who was accorded a very impressive ovation of being introduced and eulogized by speakers several times during the evening. congratulated Florio Post and its auxiliary for its splendid contribution to the program and Its community service program.
 Rev. Roger B. T. Anderson, state chaplain of the American Legion, spoke on '"The Star Spangled Ban ner' and the meaning of the verses as composed by great uncle, Francis Scott Reyes.
 Dancing concluded the evenings program which was arranged under the direction of committee headed by Past Commander John DeSchino.
 Opening Sessions
 The convention was addressed at It's opening session Saturday morn ing by Mayor Sculy, Rev. Roger B. T. Anderson, William T. Far rington. past commander of Corp. Coyle Post, American Legion; Att torney William DeLeone, comman-