FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Teresa Ruiz
November 14, 2003 973-621-4404
Anthony Puglisi
973-621-2542
Congressman donald Payne, essex County Executive DiVincenzo and assemblyman william payne Present MEDALS TO FAMILY
OF New Jersey World War II Veteran KILLED IN ACTION
Recovery of Medals after 60 Years Honors Sacrifice and Memory of Serviceman
Newark, NJ – Tenth District Congressman Donald M. Payne, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and Assemblyman William Payne presented the Purple Heart and three other medals earned by U.S. Army Private First Class Frank L. Juliano to his brother Friday, November 14th in the District Office of Congressman Donald Payne. Frank Juliano was a New Jersey serviceman who was killed in action on May 27, 1944, during World War II. After 60 years, his brother, Lorenzo Juliano, wanted to honor his brother’s memory by obtaining the medals.
Lorenzo Juliano contacted local elected officials seeking assistance in recovering the medals which his late brother earned during World War II. The late serviceman’s wife and two children have passed away, leaving Lorenzo Juliano as the closest living relative. The Army located the four medals and delivered them to Congressman Payne’s office.
“During the month of November when we commemorate Veterans Day, it is fitting that we honor the sacrifice of this courageous New Jersey veteran by presenting his family with the awards he earned fighting to achieve victory in World War II,” Congressman Payne said.
“I applaud Lorenzo Juliano for honoring the memory of his brother, who gave his life fighting for our country, and Congressman Payne for expediting the delivery of the medals earned by the late Frank Juliano,” DiVincenzo said. “Servicemen like Frank Juliano have left a legacy we all can be proud of and should not forget,” he added.
Assemblyman Payne, who also serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for the County Executive, bcame involved in the effort to recover the medal on behalf of a co-worker who is a member of the Lorenzo family. “I am very pleased that we were able to honor the memory of Frank Lorenzo by presenting his family with the medals he earned,” Payne said.
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