Comments on: An American Hero

By: RTS

RTS — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:55:10 +0000

Thanks for sharing this heartfelt story.

By: Philadelphia Electrician

Philadelphia Electrician — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 06:42:20 +0000

Excellent job.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:12:11 +0000

Hi,

I just “Googled” my name and came up with this article…

My Great Uncle was Joe Ermilio, my dad was Vince Ermilio

I was named after Joe and i am SO very proud of him although sadly I never met him…

I used to hear my Grandmother, dad and mom talk about the day’s of south Philly and a couple names sound fimiliar…

I am 53 years old now so i don’t know that much but I wanted to reply to this. I am the last remaining member of the Ermilio family as you guys might know. I do have one son named Joseph A Ermilio, so my Uncle Joe’s name will live on!

Please feel free to contact me at joeknows95@aol.com

Thanks much guys

Joe Ermilio

By: Author

Author — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:48:39 +0000

I wrote this tribute in 1994 and presented it to Jim, he read it and cried,responding I’m no Hero. He asked me where did I get the information,I responded “you told me” ,I don’t know if any family was privy to the information he told me, but he confided on me about his war record.He was a constant face in the crowd on special days of the year commemorating veterans. I believe he suffered from what is now called Post Trauamatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and was haunted by his memories. I carry his picture card of his funeral in my Honor Guard Uniform pocket so even if he cannot be physically present at Veteran funerals, and services his presnce is there with me.Jim and Thelma are no strangers to my family and even though we are not related I still think of them as family. When this tribute was published online,it prompted me to write “Put me in your Pocket” to all the Jimmies I did not know.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:04:00 +0000

Thank you Tom for writing this ! I miss my Uncle Jim soo much….I think of him every single day, even now as tears are pouring down my face ,I can’t forget what a wonderful Uncle he was…a child’s dream Uncle ! He would play ball,teach me magic trick’s that I still use to occupie kid’s & they can’t figure out how you do them! Game’s ,stories,invention’s boy did us kids love our UNCLE JIM !!! Alway’ with a smile on his face…espeacially when he was teasing my little Aunt Thel LOL !!! He had such a good soul, his spirit made you just want to be around him….you felt HAPPY !….Well sadly my Godfather is gone….I long to hear just one more story ,I long to see just one smile, I long for that feeling of the good old day’s when my PRECIOUS FAMILY was alive & well , thing were so different then…I thank God that I was brought up in those time & I thank God for my UNCLE JIM…..R.I.P ……MY HERO…..

By: Cherene

Cherene — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:29:23 +0000

My Father and I just had the honor of reading about two great men of many who have served our country so that we can have everything we have here today. Thank you for sharing such a touching story about two true friends who make me proud to be an American! I agree with Karen and say God Bless our hero in Heaven and God Bless the author who has honored him with this touching story! My Father and I sit here impressed and honored that we know both of the men in this story and that we have the honor to be related to one of them! Thank you for sharing Pop! We Love you!!

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:41:44 +0000

This is a terrific story wherein truth is more interesting than fiction.
I never had the honor of meeting Vincent but I am proud to say I know the author. These men give meaning to the words decency, dignity and modesty. God Bless our hero in heaven Vincent and the author who honored him.