As a World War II Navy veteran, Robert “Al” Persichitti had always been dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers. He was eager to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and had planned a trip to France for the occasion. However, while en route from Germany, he became ill and did not survive.
Despite his passing, Persichitti’s legacy will live on through his longtime friend and priest, Rev. William Leone, who shared that Persichitti had a strong desire to attend the D-Day ceremony. Even in his final days, Persichitti continued to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at Memorial Day events and remained active in sharing his wartime experiences with younger generations through speaking engagements and a written autobiography for his family in 2015.
Persichitti served as a radioman aboard the USS Eldorado during critical moments in the Pacific, such as the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He was present when the U.S flag was raised atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, a significant moment of triumph during World War II. Despite his advanced age, he remained committed to preserving the memory of wartime sacrifices and continued to inspire others about the valiant efforts made by individuals like him during World War II.
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