Bonds That Cross the Sands of Time

As John Vigliatura approached his ninetieth birthday, his family discussed ways to celebrate. Knowing how important the Marine Corps was to his father, a World War II veteran,  his son John III contacted the protocol office of the Second Marine Division at Camp Lejeune to ask for Marine Corps participation in his father’s 90^th birthday.  One of the New England area contacts with whom they have frequent interaction is Jim Hastings, a Marine Corps League member from Bellingham.   Reaching out to his extensive list of contacts, Hastings worked with the Vigliatura family and the Millbury Health Care Center to coordinate a Marine Corps presence on the special date. 

Marines Griffin, MacEntagert,and Hastings with WWII veteran

With plans in place and cooperation from everyone except Mother Nature, the of  John Vigliatura’s party arrived with a foot of fresh snow.  Marine Corps League Metrowest Detachment #1037 members Jim Hastings, Warren Griffin, and John “Mac” MacEntegart purchased a cake and made the trip to Millbury despite the snow.   When it became clear that the party could not be held due to the weather, the hardy troop of MCL members spent the morning visiting with Vigliatura and another resident who is also a Marine veteran from the First Division.                                                                                                                             

Ninety year old John Vigliatura will gladly tell you his age, but that was not always the case.   In 1942, as a seventeen year old in a nation at war, Vigliatura lied to the Marine Corps recruiter about his age so that he could become a Marine.  Less than a year after joining the Corps, the Worcester native was landing on Tarawa with, in E/2/8  in the Second Marine Division.  The young Marine was injured in the course of the bloody three day battle but declined the opportunity to return home because of his injuries.   

John Vigliatura with MCL members Griffin, MacEntagert and Hastings

After a few months of recuperation, his unit again hit the beaches, this time on Saipan, another horrific Island hopping battle.  Young Vigliatura was one of 13,000 Marines who were injured or killed.  Knocked out by a nearby explosion, John was found and rescued by fellow Marines who brought him to the medical personnel who could treat him.  This time his injuries were severe enough that he was sent back to Hawaii for recuperation which would take six months. 

Recovered from his injuries and having returned to the Worcester area in 1945, John would meet his wife, Lena.  Following his service as a Marine, he joined the Worcester Police Department.  He later transferred to the Fire Department.  A work related injury would ultimately lead to a disability retirement . With the war behind him, John and Lena raised a family of five children and remained in the Worcester area.  His Marine Corps service was an important part of his life, although he seldom discussed the harsh realities of combat.

Sgt Major Linch makes a presentation to John Vigliatura

Now at ninety years of age, John Vigliatura took the place of honor in front of a room full of fellow residents at Millbury Health Care Center to enjoy cake and the well wishes of friends and family.  The surprise appearance of Sergeant Major Tracy Linch, Regimental Sergeant Major for 25^th Marines was a highlight of the day.  Wearing his dress blues, Sgt Maj Linch reflected on the bravery of John Vigliatura and his fellow Marines who assaulted island after island on a relentless march to the Japanese mainland.  John was presented with a shadow box plaque containing a picture of Tarawa, a Marine emblem patch, two dog tags for landing at Tarawa and Saipan, a Marine Corps coin and a 25th Regiment coin.  Worcester Marine Corps League members Richard Gates and Thomas Beder presented John with a coin from their detachment and led the crowd in a rousing OORAH to cap the celebration.

MCL member Gates presents a coin.

   The motto “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” is more than words to the Marine Corps League members who remembered John Vigliatura.  While large amounts of snow and cold temperatures brought many area activities to a halt, the Marines still found a way to accomplish the mission of celebrating a brother's birthday.