Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE–Friday, November 15, 2019 Fallen Korean War hero honored on Veterans Day N By Christopher Roberson early 67 years after his death in the Korean War, Private First Class Domenic Colameta was awarded the Liberty Medal and a citation from the City of Everett during this year’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Connolly Center. Colameta’s brother, Angelo, who served as a corporal and later as a deputy fire chief, was on hand to accept the commendations. “Angelo Colameta was staThe Honor Guards of the Everett Police and Fire Departments (Advocate Photos by Christopher Roberson) Mayor Carlo DeMaria (left) presents a citation from the city to Angelo Colameta, who accepted it on behalf of his brother Private First Class Domenic Colameta. Major Katherine Murphy delivers the keynote address. State Representative Joseph McGonagle spoke about funding improvements for Massachusetts veterans. Mayor Carlo DeMaria addresses the crowd during this year’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Connolly Center. Major Katherine Murphy presents the Medal of Liberty to Angelo Colameta, who accepted the award on behalf of his brother Private First Class Domenic Colameta. State Senator Sal DiDomenico spoke about the bravery shown by his grandfather during D-Day. (Advocate Photo by Katy Rogers) tioned at Okinawa at that time and was able to escort his deceased brother home,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “It’s important to note that all four of the Colameta brothers served in the U.S. Army. Domenic, Angelo and James all served during the Korean War with the youngest brother, Peter, serving in the late 50s.” State Senator Sal DiDomenico spoke about his grandfather, who was among the tens of thousands of American soldiers to storm the coast of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. DiDomenico said his grandfather still had the bravery to move up the beach even after seeing the men on either side of him get killed. However, the events of that fateful day were never discussed in the years after the war; DiDomenico said it was not until his grandfather’s wake that he learned the full gravity of his involvement in D-Day. “People from around the world see our servicemen and women coming into their communities with an American flag on their arm and they know all Angelo Colameta (center) is joined by his family, Everett Fire Chief Anthony Carli, US Army Command Sergeant Major Thomas Ardita, Major Katherine Murphy and Mayor Carlo DeMaria during this year’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Connolly Center. (Advocate Photo by Katy Rogers) is going to be well,” said DiDomenico. Although Massachusetts provides more veterans services than any other state in the country, DiDomenico said, there is always room for improvement. “Our fight does not end now, our veterans deserve more,” he said. “They fought for us every single day.” During her keynote address, Major Katherine Murphy said all veterans are comrades regardless of when they served. “We will always share an unbreakable bond,” she said. “Thank you all for serving honorably at home and abroad.” She also agreed with DiDomenico in that greater efforts are needed to prevent veterans’ homelessness and helping them find jobs after returning home. State Representative Joseph McGonagle said money is now in the state budget for female veterans and veterans’ housing, adding that the state has invested $190 million in the longterm care facility at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea. McGonagle said funds are also available for veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. “We are losing, nationally, 22 veterans a day to post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said. In addition, McGonagle spoke about Deborah Sampson, who under the guise of Robert Shurtleff of Uxbridge, joined the Fourth Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the Revolutionary War. During her time with the Fourth Massachusetts, Sampson led a raid that resulted in the capture of 15 British soldiers and took part in attacking a British fort during the Siege of Yorktown. Therefore, in recognition, the House recently voted to approve a bill to create a “special commission for the purpose of making an investigation and study of a suitable memorial to commemorate Deborah Sampson, a hero of the American Revolution.”
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