Commemorative Poem now as part of a Museum Exhibit...

Her Commemorative Poem now as part of a Museum Exhibit...

Well there she is, Rose Marie Raccioppi, Poet Laureate of Orangetown, New York, today at the Camp Shanks World War II Museum making sure that the framed poem written in commemoration of, "Camp Shanks 70th Anniversary 1943 ~ 2013, To Honor Those Who Lived A Cause," is lined up straight... no less would be expected for a military tribute. Her poem is now a featured part of the permanent display at the museum, greeting visitors as they enter the "barracks."

"The Camp Shanks Museum commemorates the military facility that served as the largest point of embarkation for soldiers headed for the front lines in North Africa and Europe during World War II, including the landing forces for the D-Day invasion. Opened in 1942, Camp Shanks contained 1,500 barracks, mess halls, theaters, a hospital, and other buildings where some 1.5 million G.I.s (approximately 40,000 a month) were issued combat equipment and underwent final inspections before shipping overseas. Most soldiers spent eight to 12 days at the self supporting complex dubbed “Last Stop, U.S.A.” Located in a simulated barracks, the museum contains artifacts and photographs that recount the history of Camp Shanks and describe the everyday life of male and female soldiers at the facility. A Wall of Honor lists servicemen and women who spent time there." (www.hudsonrivervalley.com).

Hours: Memorial Day – Labor Day: Saturday – Sunday (12:00 pm - 4:00 pm).Do peruse: Hudson Valley 

Magazine Article: Remembering Camp Shanks ~More than a million World War II soldiers headed overseas after a stint at Camp Shanks in Rockland County ~ http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/September-2010/Remembering-Camp-Shanks/

An added word... 

It was a day of delight spent with Korean War veterans... great guys... great spirit... hold to the belief and vision that America is to be free and accountable!! So honored by the warmth and appreciation for heartfelt words expressed. A WW II Veteran, 90 years of age certainly knew how to give a warm and loving HUG... when I fulfilled his request to personally read the poem to him shortly after he arrived... yes, a tear was shed...

Photo Credit: Arthur Cooke.