I finally had my first book signing of "We Were There" at the Abanakee Studios in Indian Lake on July 2nd, while opening an exhibit of some of my best landscapes of the area. Kathy and Jane have a beautiful venue there and their gallery brings out the best in my photographs, which were expertly matted and framed by Brian blackburn of Blackburn Gallery in Queensbury. I sold thirty books and had a great time talking to fellow students of WWII, most of whomwere Baby Boomers like myself.
Ever since I first walked into the Home Front Cafe I have looked forward to my next visit. The place features a dynamic, always-evolving display of World War II memorabilia which fills almost every square inch of table, wall and shelf space, while an increasingly impressive collection of model warplanes is beginning to cover the ceiling! Meanwhile, their menu of classic diner food allows one to order a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner any time of day.
Today I had my second book signing there at what was my third visit, and it was the best visit yet. This is because I was present for a meeting of the Iwo Jima Survivors. The meeting was attended by seven members of the US Marine Corps who participated in and survived that epic battle in February 1945 that cost over six thousand marines in order to later save the lives of over 24,000 airmen of the 20th Air Force of the US Army Air Corps and their crippled B-29s who were able to land there during the rest of the war.
Present were Francis "Dick" Valone and Carlo Valenti of the 5th Marine Division, Thomas "Doc" Smith and Sal Famularo of the 4th Division, George Ross of the 3rd Division,Tom Lenne of the 2nd Division, and the newest member, George Beyerbach, also of the 5th Division, 13th Marine Regiment. Several family members and friends were also there to savor seeing the men together, enjoying each others' company. I was honored by their interest in "We Were There", and they autographed each other's copies in a group book-signing event that was spontaneous and heartwarming, at least for me. Look for some illustrations soon here when I have had a chance to download them. Tomorrow night I will be doing a book-signing and reading at the Chapman Museum in downtown Glens Falls.