To remember the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, NIAF is recognizing Italian Americans who sacrificed, served and defended peace, freedom and democracy during the war, using the tag #IAWW2Heroes on social media.
This entry is a special submission from Petty Officer DeMark’s great-grandson, Mayor Jondavid R. Longo of Slippery Rock, Pa.
Robert J. DeMark served his country as a United States Navy Seabee who fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II and also served in the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class (BUL3).
PO DeMark’s parents came to America from L’Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy, at the turn of the 20th century. They came to the New Castle, Pa., area and eventually settled in Mahoningtown.
His great-grandson Mayor Longo shared, “Thank you [NIAF] for continuously recognizing and honoring Italians, Americans of Italian Descent, our proud heritage, and culture.”
If you’d like to make a submission to NIAF’s #IAWW2Heroes initiative, email the photo and description to media@niaf.org.
Benvenuti to the NIAF Pensieri Blog 