World War II veterans honored by the City of Murrieta

As a video about the proposed Murrieta Veterans Memorial rolled for audience members during Tuesday night’s

Veteran Len Maffioli proudly displays a copy of the "City of Murrieta Proclamation" honoring his military service during the Second World War. (Photo by Toni McAllister)

Murrieta City Council Meeting, Len Maffioli removed his ball cap and bowed his head in silence. Maffioli, a military veteran who served tours in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, said it wasn’t the video’s content showcasing the $2 million Memorial project that stirred him. Instead, it was the video’s musical soundtrack–”Taps.”

“It gets me teary eyed,” he said.

“Taps,” the ceremonial composition performed by a lone bugler when a fallen soldier is buried with military honors, brings back painful memories for Maffioli.

“I lost so many friends in three wars,” he said.

Maffioli, a sharp 83-year-old career soldier who served in the 1^st and 4^th Marine Divisions from 1943 to 1979, and who was held as a prisoner of war in Korea, was on hand at Tuesday’s council meeting as part of a special tribute the city paid to honor World War II veterans. The tribute included the video showcasing the Memorial, as well as an announcement by Murrieta Mayor Gary Thomasian designating Nov. 3, 2009 as World War II Heritage Day.

Maffioli was one of nearly 50 World War II veterans personally invited by city council members to be honored at Tuesday’s meeting.

Sixteen World War II veterans, all in their 80s and 90s, and many dressed in their Sunday finest, donning military ball caps decorated with buttons that told of their wartime experiences–”Ex POW,” “Purple Heart”–showed up for the event. Approximately 90 percent of them live in Murrieta, according to City of Murrieta Management Analyst Lea Kolek.

“Many of the veterans were unable to attend due to health problems,” Kolek said. “We’re just so happy that these guys were able to come.”

Tuesday evening’s special tribute also included a “City of Murrieta Proclamation” that was read aloud by council members. It thanked the veterans, on behalf of Murrieta and its residents, for their service.

” … today, we join to celebrate a particularly inspiring group of this nation’s citizens, the WWII veterans, who served with remarkable dedication … ,” read Murrieta Mayor Pro-tem Kelly Bennett.

“Whereas, we all have the utmost respect for the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines of our armed forces who bravely served this nation during WWII and welcome the opportunity to acknowledge and thank them for their valiant effort … ,” continued Murrieta Councilmember Doug McAllister.

After the tribute, Maffioli said, “I thought it was very impressive. We never sought recognition after the Second World War. When we came home, we just wanted to get back to work and our lives. We really appreciate this today.”

Humble and proud, Maffioli said it’s only been in recent years that he’s noticed an increased interest in WWII.

“When I wear my hat today,” a ball cap that denotes his service in three wars, “people stop and thank me and ask me about my experiences,” he said.

Although Maffioli has long retired from official duty with the U.S. Marines, he’s still heeding the call. These days he can be found volunteering as a docent for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum in San Diego, and helping out former prisoners of war who receive treatment at Loma Linda VA.

“I’m still serving,” he said. “I’m not done.”

Toni McAllister is SWRNN’s lifestyles reporter. You can e-mail her at toni.mcallister@yahoo.com.

Tags: City of Murrieta, Doug McAllister, Kelly Bennett, Len Maffioli, Loma Linda VA, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum, Murrieta, Murrieta Mayor Gary Thomasian, Murrieta Veteran's Memorial, SWRNN, Toni McAllister, veteran, WWII

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