Polar Bear Press

January 25, 2011 Volume 11

Websites and newsletter going through major improvementsIf you do not want to receive the news of FSHS just respond with Unsubscribe in the Subject Line along with your class year. Feel free to share with anyone who would like to read this information. They are invited to register with me and I can send it directly to them. This document is a personal creation and is not an official statement by FSHS. Although I make every effort to verify the facts, mistakes can be made. Please advise me of any errors. I'll correct them in the next newsletter.

Because of the official school website, Stephane Le-Franc contacted me in search of James F. Cervo. His letter appears below.

“I'm writting you from France and i'm looking for informations, photos about a ww2 vet-eran, pfc James F CERVO, fairmont, WV, 29th division killed september 7 of 1944. He is buried in the american cemetery of Saint-James in Normandy in France and with the French association "les fleurs de la mémoire", I put flowers on his grave, so I hope you would be able to help me to get informations.Best regards.Stéphane Lefranc”

I requested in the monthly newsletter which goes out to over 5,000 any information I might learn. I re-ceived a phone call from a former student, Marc Cervo, class of 1978, EFHS. Judge David Janes read

and printed the newsletter. His secretary, Diane Cervo, took the newsletter home to her husband who happens to be the nephew of the soldier killed at Normandy on Sep-tember 7, 1944.

I responded to Stephane, “I have found the family of James F. Cervo. When they learned of what you are doing to honor the 19 year-old soldier, his brother cried most of the night. They are writing information about him and will give that to me as well as a picture of him in uniform. His brother has but one request. Could you please take a picture of the deco-rated grave and send it to him so he could see it and share with his surviving family members?

Stephane responded immediately with this. “Hello Carol,

I'm so affected in what you writing to me.It sends shivers down my spine.It's incredible.Here is a photo of his grave.I'have writen an article about him on my blog : http://29-lets-go.over-blog.com/ where members of

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the family of James could go to see next time I'll put flowers on his grave.I'm waiting for news from you and members of James'family.You can tell them, that I take care of James and his grave.Thanks so lot Carol.(Sorry for my english, i have to improve it, and i can't say all what i want and what i'm feeling.).”

 

I visited the blog referenced above. In addition to history and details about the battles and the service-men interred there, a webcam scans the headstones, statue, chapel, and beach.

I advised our French volunteer, “The family of James F. Cervo contacted me today with a letter about him and a picture of him in uniform. We shall scan and send these items electronically to your email address. I am

very excited to see the picture of James, so I can only imagine how much it will mean to you. Thank you for your efforts at the Ameri-can Cemetery.”

“Hello Carol,Thank you for your congratulations about my pic-tures.No, I’m not a professional photographer. I work at a supplier of steel parts for French cars (Renault, Peugeot, Citroën …).I join you a picture of me dressed in a ww2 uniform of the 29th division.With the association “Les fleurs de la mémoire”, flower a grave of a soldier killed in action to liberate our country is at first a personal initiative to honor him and all the others.Then, find informations and pictures about James is the result to celebrate him and to tell family that French nation and I, we’ll never forget.I will use these documents for a personal using and, only if family gives me permission, I would like to complete the story of James on the article of my blog with a picture of him.I hope that my pictures gratify the family of James.So James has a brother, how old is he ? Where does he live ? In Fairmont ?I’m looking forward to have news from you and his family or answer questions of the family.Best regards.

Stéphane”Picture of me dressed in a ww2 uniform of the 29th division.

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Joseph and Mary Catherine Barbor Cervo, parents of Pfc. James F. Cervo, at Thanksgiving Dinner.

Mary was born in the United States. Joseph was born in the region of Piemonte, Italy. Their children: Frank, John, Theresa, Isabella, and Jimmy. Pictured below is John who was 9 years old when his brother left for service. James F. Cervo

born September 17, 1925 in Fairmont WV Marion County.

A student of East Fairmont High School.

Died September 7, 1944.

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Finding the spirit of those who died for that we may live in a better world, kneeling in front of the head-stone, placing these flowers, is this not a profound appeal for peace?

That is, I believe, what each person feels when com-ing to execute their pledge towards our association, "Les Fleurs de la Memoire". A Humble pledge al-ways accomplished with the infallible faith and im-mense fraternity with those whom we honor. It is true we have so much to say to you who sleep for-ever in our Normandy soil. Yes, so many things, which however must be resumed in one word: "Merci." Yes, "Thank You. Always!"

Claude Lavieille        Président de l'association Les Fleurs de la Mémoire 

  

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