Pearl Harbor Day, on Dec. 7, was spent doing the usual chores that I do on Sunday and thinking about my uncle who was killed during the attack.
That evening, “From Here to Eternity” aired on one of the movie channels and I sat down to watch it. I have seen this movie a great many times — so many times that I can recite dialogue.
The movie has become a staple in the Pearl Harbor Day lineup on Turner Classic Movies. Of course, how could a movie be anything but great with leading characters played by Montgomery Clift, Burt Lancaster, Ernest Borgnine and Frank Sinatra? The leading men playing to beautiful leading ladies Deborah Kerr and Donna Reed would have to make for a great movie.
Frank Sinatra gave a superior performance as “Maggio” in the film. He won an Oscar for the part and revived a somewhat lagging career. Today, Dec. 12, would have been Sinatra’s 99th birthday. For some of us, he will always be the young Pvt. Maggio from the movie.  

Veterans stories wanted
To be a part of the Veterans Hall located above Arabica Coffee House in Willoughby, scan and email a photo with a short story about your service years to kennygodnavec@yahoo.com or drop it off or mail it to Arabica, Attn.: Kenny Godnavec, 4148 Erie St., Willoughby, OH 44094. Or call 440-749-3423 for more information.

Sunday breakfast at Gunny’s Hall
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host a breakfast buffet that is open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon Sundays between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
The cost is $7.50 per person and special orders are available. For details, call the hall at 440-974-9380.

AMVETS host steak dinner
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will host a steak dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month (Oct. 11; Nov. 8 and Dec. 13) at the post home. Dinner is $12 and is open to the public.
For details, call 440-527-1911.

Fairport post cancels fish fry
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, has cancelled the fish fry scheduled for Dec. 12. For details, call 440-352-1123.

Donations for Christmas project requested
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, is asking for donations for the annual Christmas benefit project. This year, the unit has a special request: One of the families that the auxiliary adopted is in need of an electric stove and a refrigerator. If you are able to assist in a donation of this kind, please contact the post after 3 p.m. to make arrangements.
The auxiliary also is collecting gifts, food and cash donations to help the families have a Christmas. Donation deadline is Dec. 17. Call the post for more information after 3 p.m. at 440-942-7762.

Donate to Toys for Tots
Red Roof Inns are one of the many drop -off locations for Toys for Tots.
During the holiday season, Red Roof Inn sponsors the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation so that the tradition of giving hope and smiles to children will continue. Red Roof locations in the Cleveland area will collect new unwrapped toys in the lobbies through Dec. 15.        

 Willoughby VFW will host benefit
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will host a benefit beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 for the family of Nicole Devine, who was the victim of a homicide in Willoughby. Tickets are $15 and will include an Italian dinner with live musical entertainment. All money raised from this event will help the Devine family with expenses. For details or tickets, call the post home at 440-951-9233.

Dinner benefits gathering
The United States Aviation Museum, sponsor of the Annual Gathering of Eagles air show, will host a pasta dinner at La-Vera Party Center, 32200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills, from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7. Tickets are $30 each. All proceeds will benefit the Gathering of Eagles Air show.
For information, call Don Manno at 440-442-4151.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.
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