DINNIMAN HONORS REUNITED BELLINGHAM WWII VETERANS CONTACT: ADAM CIRUCCI WEST CHESTER - State Senator Andy Dinniman on Thursday recognized two World War II veterans who, after 64 years, were recently reunited upon discovering that they lived in the same West Chester retirement community. Gordon Whiting and Manuel Ardao had been neighbors at Bellingham Retirement Community for several years, but neither had realized that they both served in the 323rd Combat Engineering Battalion until a recent Veterans Day celebration hosted by Dinniman. Since then, they have shared countless stories, memories and photographs. “This is just a truly amazing American story. That these two heroes, Mr. Whiting and Mr. Ardao, served together halfway around the world more than 60 years ago and now here they are enjoying their golden years in West Chester - it is simply remarkable,” Dinniman said. “I’m just glad that I was able to help bring them together.” “We are honored that Senator Dinniman has been so generous with his time spent at our community and with our residents,” commented Linda Keith, executive director of Bellingham Retirement Community. “This experience perfectly reflects our communities’ mission, which is to create opportunities to nurture the spirit of America’s elders and celebrate each life.” Both men entered the Army at Camp Rucker, Alabama, before being sent to Hawaii. Just as the 323rd was preparing to invade mainland Japan, President Truman ordered the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Days later, the war was over. As part of the first wave of U.S. troops to set foot on Japanese soil in Nagasaki, Whiting and Ardao played a key role in rebuilding the infrastructure of the war-torn country. During that time, Whiting obtained a Japanese flag as a memento and had each member of the battalion sign it. When the men were reunited at Bellingham, Whiting noticed that Ardao’s name was missing. In line with Whiting’s wishes, Ardao added his name to the flag at a special ceremony Thursday afternoon at Bellingham Retirement Living in West Chester. “Both these men are not just eyewitnesses to history, but they also had a hand in events that shaped the world. They, like all our veterans, continue to hold a cherished place in the history of the United States and the hearts of all Americans,” Dinniman said. Both Gordon and Ardao said they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support at Thursday’s ceremony. “It never crossed my mine that we’d receive this sort recognition for something we did so long ago,” Gordon said. “We were just doing our jobs.” “I want to thank everyone, but also make sure that we remember those who never came back. There were many people that never came home,” Ardao said. For more information contact Senator Dinniman’s district office at 1 North Church Street, West Chester, PA 19380, (610) 692-2112 or e-mail andy@pasenate.com. ### |