I don't know ANYONE more dedicated to a cause then Gary and Maryann - to paying respect for past veterans of WWII and working to keep their contributions to our country and it's freedom, a PART of our society. That all they gave should NEVER be forgotten!!
I have worked with them for decades and helped with their programs. They give not only with their hearts and personal time but have totally devoted their lives to this cause. They are looking for SUPPORT to keep the memories, the stories and the legacy of this important time of our country ALWAYS in our view. Over the years they have traveled at their expense to other states, to attend funerals of these honored soldiers. They have attended more services then all the veterans I know put together.
The idea of building a museum, dedicated to these veterans is something they have worked on for many years. That would be the greatest way to pay tribute to these soldiers and not allow the ventures and lives given to be forgotten.
I support them 100 percent and will do whatever to support their efforts.
Ruth Shapleigh-Brown -- Manchester, CT
Founder of Connecticut Gravestone Network
working with many local historic organizations.
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I have known Gary and Marianne since they started this adventure. I do similar work with my own historic interests. We have often worked together with organizations to support their history and I have in return always been available when I can to work help them with their events. These events are always with a focus on the THOSE THAT DID WORK before us! To Honor them and give them the respect they deserve.
Gary and Marianne are dedicated and devoted to this subject, and have given more, much more than any others I have ever known. Every day, every thing they do, every trip they make and every hour that work - is all for the memory and honor of those people that have given so much to insure that we have the freedom and choice of life that we have today.
All that they do is about issues and battles that were previously fought to give us in America those rights. Regardless of the trails and issues that they have encountered to build their museum and tribute to this part of our history - they have always stood for what is most worthy and I will always be there to support their efforts in return. The traveling museum that has been their dream for so long and now has become a reality, is the ever changing display of all that they have researched, collected and those items that families have entrusted them with to help build and keep this honorary tribute to their loved ones going.
I am and will always be very proud to have them for friends and support their efforts. RSB
Fantastic educational experience! From the uniforms, educational seminars, traveling museum they have it all
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Gary and Maryanne have grown their passion to keep the history of our Greatest Generation of Veterans and their stories going, their large assortment of WW2 stories and memorabilia surpasses anything out there..
The World War II Legacy Foundation does a tremendous service in the recognition of all those that preserved the freedoms that most take for granted today. Gary and Marianne, thank you for your patriotic dedication and your tribute to the men and women of greatest generation!
I have known Gary Roy and his wife Marian Mihalyo for more than 20.
The World War II Legacy Foundation does more than most can imagine to wave the flag for our WWII heroes. They make sure that no one is left behind when it comes to remembering and recognizing as many of our WWII men and women as possible.
I don't know how they have time to sleep. The WWII Legacy Foundation never misses an opportunity to visit a vet. At home or any facility that they be living in. In many of these cases they have orchestrated drive by parades! They have attended more veterans funerals than anyone I know of. When you support the WWII Legacy Foundation you can be sure that your donations are going right to the cause.
The displays of uniforms, weapons, gear, and memorabilia gives one some insight into the life of those who fought in WWII especially for someone who has never served in the military.
I can not say enough of the WWII Legacy. Their involvement for the military veterans is just AMAZING. I have been a part of several functions that they have done and it is very moving to see just how much knowledge and love they have for these men and woman. The work and recognition they put into keeping their memory alive is top notch and beyond any words. I am very lucky to have had them as part of several celebrations and award ceremonies myself for a 105yo Veteran that I cared for.
Excellent organization that honors are Veterans. Wonderful to see the team recognizing Veterans and extending their legacy. The traveling museum is always popular and greatly appreciated. Keep on making an impact across the region.
My husband and I had an experience of a lifetime when we attended a talk on Iwo Jima given by the World War II Legacy Foundation. We not only learned a bunch of information but we also were able to meet World War II veterans. It was priceless.
My name is Bill Maune. The WWII Legacy Foundation does an excellent job sharing WWII History around the state. They also do wonderful things for our local hereos like hosting birthday paraties and parades for them. I tried to add some photos from a birthday party after the parade they did with New Britian firefighters and police for WWII Hero Rosie Lombardo. This website said they are too large to upload.
Here is a link to videos and slideshows of events that they do: https://www.thecommunityservice.org/WWII.html.
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I am a member of the WWII Legacy Foundation. This is a wonderful organization that keeps people informed about what our Greatest Generation heros have done.
Below are links to videos a few examples
77th and 76th Anniversary Of The Battle Of Iwo Jima: https://www.thecommunityservice.org/iw22.html
The 75th Anniversary: http://www.thecommunityservice.org/iw20.html
The Traveling Museum:
https://www.thecommunityservice.org/tm.html
Gary and Marianne do a great job honoring our ww2 vets and bringing so many interesting events to the area, including great authors, presentations and a great reunion each year honoring our brave men and women from ww2
As a volunteer, I think this is a very worthy organization. They work hard to make sure all Veterans know they are appreciated and respected. Their WWII Museum is one of a kind and very educational. It is interactive and they take the time to explain all the displays. All branches of service are represented, including the women who served. I have volunteered at some of their events and have enjoyed them all very much. The veterans, families and friends all seem enjoy them also.
My girlfriend and I experienced their expertise first hand through an event honoring the veterans of Iwo Jima at the American Legion. Gary and Marianne set up historical displays with artifacts, oral lectures, and have reached out to countless veterans to honor and preserve the sacrifices they made to our country during World War II. Their mobile WWII museum is a stunning example of their efforts!
Not only does this organization provide extremely important community education regarding WWII but they also assist and celebrate the WWII veterans in the area. The founders helped my grandfather to the city's monthly veterans coffee hour for as long as he could physically attend. When his health degraded to the point he was homebound, they visited him and brought treats from the coffee hour. They have coordinated birthday celebrations for both he and other veterans. Their selfless support of these amazing veterans in the twilight of life is beyond commendable.
Five stars are not enough! Anyone who attends one of their events will be amazed by the trip back in time to when the Greatest Generation were just young men and women . The traveling museum, authors, art, Quilts of Valor presentations, guest speakers, and short ceremonies made their last event unparalleled. The cherry on top was the ability to meet and talk with a large gathering of WW2 Veterans. The stories of the Veterans and their families sent those attending on an emotional roller coaster, from laughter to tears, and you can quickly find yourself being an active participant in what feels like a large family gathering. Thank you Gary and Mary Anne
The mobile Iwo Jima Museum came to where I work, an Assisted-Living Facility. The residents loved it! We actually had a resident that had been there. Sadly, he had passed away before being able to see it. However, his spouse, was very moved and relayed stories that her husband had told her. Hearing the stories and then seeing actually artifacts, was really powerful. No one can truly understand what our troops have gone through during war, unless you were there. Displays like the Iwo Jima/WWII museum are a reminder of the sacrifices of our troops for our freedom. Our troops' sacrifices should not be forgotten to history.
It has been a true pleasure to meet so many wonderful people and bring thanks and joy to the Veterans of World War II. The recent commemoration of the end of World War II felt like a gathering of long time friends. The smiles on the faces of the honored guests as they received their Quilts of Valor and paintings by Don Scott will never be forgotten. All of the guest speakers did a wonderful job and everyone commented on how interesting and enjoyable their presentations were.
The WW2 Museum has an amazing memorabilia collection. Very educational, we really enjoyed visiting! A great tribute to the Veterans of the WW2.
The World War II Legacy Foundation does great work to recognize and honor the Veterans of WWII and especially Iwo Jima. The displays and programs are very interesting and educational. The people who lead it have their hearts in it and really care about making sure the veterans are not forgotten. They have photos and stories of WWII Vets on display. Their programs are very well done. It is always a pleasure to attend any activity they do.
Maryann and Gary Roy are keeping history alive for WW II families and for myself included because my father was in this war, he would be so proud to know and see what they are doing. The venue's they have created and the ones they have supported, so great. The efforts Maryann and Gary have dedicated to this cause is unbelievable. I have seen there museum and it keeps on growing. The history they are keeping alive is so valuable for the future. The traveling museum that they made, outstanding. I support Maryann and Gary in what they are doing. Karen Johnson
What a wonderful organization! I just attended their first annual End of WWII remembrance event and was completely wowed! Each program was from the heart, well thought out and directed at not just thanking those WWII Veterans in attendance, but also at their families and all the other service members supporting this event. I was impressed by the cooperation and alliance of so many organizations and individuals volunteering their talents and skills to create such a heartwarming and sincere event. Wonderful military history exhibits, a traveling tribute museum in the parking lot, Quilts of Valor wrapped around World War II veterans in attendance, a very stirring rendition of the Marine Corps hymn sung live by a Navajo Code Talker in his native language and so much more. If you missed this, put this event on your schedule for next year. And consider joining as a member or volunteer to assist this fine organization. They are making a difference.
The World War II Legacy Foundation is easily the most important nonprofit keeping the legacy and memories of World War II alive in Connecticut. In addition to a traveling museum that visits schools and fairs, events such annual commemorations of the battle of Iwo Jima, motorcycle rides attended by many veterans, and working to bring a Gold Star Families monument to the state, the foundation goes out of its way to make the aging veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam feel honored. As an oral historian who has worked with the foundation on some events, I highly recommend the work that they do.
This organization and the people that run it are simply amazing. They give all of themselves for the WWII veterans. Very devoted to what they do. I have attended a few events, wishing my dad could of came. But I went in his honor, as an Iwo Jima survivor and Marine, he would of loved meeting up with his peers. I got to meet many Iwo Jima survivors and saw how they loved the recognition. I have witnessed the passion they have for these veterans. Also, educating others. Their motto is honesty, integrity, and compassion, which they exemplify!
Thank you so much for all you do!
My family is honored to know, attend functions put on by this wonderfully heartwarming organization WWII Legacy! They keep the history alive for families of WWII . There integrity & selfless acts of kindness & much, much more help this country learn & grow, so we may never forget these men & women & there courage to keep America free! I support Gary & MaryAnn Roy!
Sincerely,
The Severino/Gionfriddo, crowley & Cole families
my father sam serviced in world war 11 as a marine and fought in iwo jima
- this organization and its leaders have been so wonderful in preserving and honoring the memory and service of these veterans who fought for our freedoms
they have through their selfless efforts have not only honored but educated the generations that have followed -helping with the education of the invaluable sacrifices of these men and women preserving this important part of history
the survivors are few -but the tireless efforts of this organization in its efforts will see that this history and legacy lives on
gail buchanan