We celebrate Veteran's Day on Nov. 11, but I found a place where it's Veterans Day, every day.

I
spent about an hour at Tony Matarazzo's Barber shop at 294 Broadway the
other day, but I didn't get a haircut. What I did get was a refreshed
feeling of patriotism and pride, and a renewed appreciation for the
courageous veterans that fought to keep us free. On a table in Tony's
Barber shop is what is known as the Armed Forces Honor Roll book. It is
a neatly assembled collection of photographs, newspaper clippings,
discharge papers, family shots, and even Western Union telegrams, all
telling a the story of the brave veterans from the Winter Hill
neighborhood. Phil Vozella, who is also a barber at Tony's explained
why the book was started and why it is so important. "These are
neighborhood guys, customers, and friends who answered the call of duty
and served their nation. There are photos of veterans from World War I,
World War ll, Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Storm, and even Afghanistan and
Iraq. Bob Quinn, a Korean War Vet, just did the whole book over. The
plastic sleeves and easy to read text make it an extremely interesting
and easy to read collection.

One of the most prestigious entries
is that of retired four-star Gen. John Sheehan from Putnam Rd in the
Ten Hills Area. He was one of 13 children and his dad drove a truck for
First National foods. The General's father was known as "The Irish
Whip" because of his softball pitching talent. The General used to cut
the hedges at St Polycarp Church. You can hear many more stories at the
barber shop.

Tony Matarazzo himself volunteered for the Navy
when he was just 16 years old. Tony tells stories of his fellow
veterans like they just happened yesterday.

There is a section
showing the Wilson brothers, who all served in Korea and returned
safely to Somerville. There was Fredrick, Woodrow, Walter and William
who I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with at the barber shop.
William turned out to be an old friend who I hadn't seen in about 30
years. "Willie" is a four- time commander of Post 299 in Cambridge.

There
is a wonderful picture the five Shea brothers — John, Richard, Edward,
Robert and Albert. Fred Solberg's story is pretty exciting, he escaped
from a POW camp twice. He ran Fred's Hardware on Marshall Street and
Broadway for years.

As Phil says, "It is a book to tell the
story of our local boys who served their country in time of need." The
book is a testimonial that serves as a reminder of the bravery and
unselfish dedication of the servicemen from the Winter Hill area.

You can see a great photo of Vic Leone in the book. Yes, the same Vic Leone from Leones Sub and Pizza!

Some
of the names and photos in the book are: Tony and Nick Cortese, Emilio
Caizzi, Joe Vigliotti, Arthur Harrington, Vito Capello, John S. Hayes,
Bob Haley and Retired Full Colonel Joseph W. Mercuri of the Nation
Guard.

Phil tells this story , which is one of the most exciting
I heard during my visit. On their landing craft heading to the invasion
of Okinawa, John "Hard Rock" Burns, along with many other somber
servicemen were quiet. Also on board was Corpsman George Doherty.
"Hardrock" say, "Hey, I'm the only one who thought ahead and brought
his own funeral director!" The funny line eased the tension of the
moment. George Doherty of course went on to run the Funeral Home in
Power House Square.

It is Phil and Tony's wish that the people
of the neighborhood, especially the younger generation, look at the
book and understand the sacrifices that their fellow citizens made for
their country. Phil Vozella is a human encyclopedia on Somerville
Veterans history. It was a pleasure and an honor spending an hour with
them.

I walked out of Tony Matarazzo's barber shop with a
feeling of deep appreciation for what our brave veterans did for our
nation. Go to Tony's and check out the Armed Forces Honor Roll Book. If
you get a haircut there you will look great on the outside and feel
even better on the inside .

Let's not forget to keep in our
hearts and prayers, the many dedicated and brave servicemen and women,
who are serving our country and preserving our freedom right now.

There are three different Veteran's events for the month of November:

Street
dedication: Joseph Duffy, father of Patrolman Paul Duffy, Saturday Nov.
7th 11 a.m. corner of Powderhouse Blvd. and Dow St.

Annual
dinner honoring police and firefighters of the year: Tuesday, Nov. 10th
7 p.m. American Legion Post #19 124 Highland Ave. (names have been
submitted for citations)

Annual Veterans Day ceremony: Wednesday, Nov. 11 10 a.m. VFW George Dilboy Post #529 371 Summer St.