DEAR FRIENDS OF ROSELAWN
In April, we will be spotlighting WW II and featuring the stories of some of the Roselawn Veterans who served in WW II.
The stories featured will be of 5 of the 29 George McCarthy Newsboys: Tony Bacino, Inkey Pecheck, Phillip Cabibi, John DiCiacco, and John O’bert. They were first-generation children of immigrants who were on the fringe of society; however, Mr. McCarthy befriended them and treated them as if they really mattered. Also featured is Josie Williams-Baldwin, who became an original "Rosie the Riveter," and James Hugh O'Neil, who rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army and served as a chaplain under General Patton. O'Neill wrote the Patton Prayer.
But first, let us review the history of World War II.
WORLD WAR II
World War II (1939–1945) remains the deadliest conflict in history, involving more than 50 nations and resulting in an estimated 60 to 80 million deaths worldwide, including 6 million Jews during the Holocaust. The war was initially triggered by Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, as Adolf Hitler sought global domination. The United States officially entered the conflict following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, a "date which will live in infamy."
The preservation of freedom during this era was made possible by the "Big Three" alliance of Franklin D. Roosevelt (and later Harry S. Truman), Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin. While their ideologies differed, they coordinated the strategies necessary to defeat the Axis powers led by Adolf Hitler, Hideki Tojo, and Benito Mussolini.
In the final stages of the war, President Truman authorized the use of atomic weapons to prevent the massive Allied casualties expected from a mainland invasion of Japan. On August 6, 1945, the "Little Boy" bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, followed by a second bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. These actions led to a decisive victory, though they remain a significant point of historical reflection. As President Reagan once noted, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” a reminder of the profound stakes involved in this global struggle.
NOTE: The attachment is a detailed account of World War II provided for the history buffs.
GEORGE McCARTHY NEWSBOYS WHO SERVED IN WW II
The photos of the 5 boys were displayed at the George McCarthy Funeral Home until the funeral home closed, and at the InfoZone at the Rawlings Library until the recent remodeling.
Society felt they were not American, and as children of immigrants, they could not go to the movies, dance halls, skating rinks, or tennis courts.
Mr. McCarthy would arrange picnics, ice cream socials, and camping trips for the newsboys, and on holidays, he would take the boys out to a big hotel and treat them to a holiday dinner.
The boys never forgot how he treated them, and they always referred to him respectfully as Mr. McCarthy. Of the 29 newsboys, 20 are buried at Roselawn, and the 5 pictured here are documented as having served our country in World War II.
Their accompanying stories are a testament to their having matured into productive citizens and to their having served their country as proud Americans.
Click the picture for a larger version to view.
ROSIE THE RIVETER - JOSIE WILLIAMS BALDWIN
World War II broke out, and Josie followed her husband, Lloyd, to San Diego, California. He shipped out to England and landed on the shores of Normandy. From her one-room rental, she walked daily to her job at the aircraft factory, which operated continuously with three eight-hour shifts per day.
At the peak of the war, Rosie the Riveters filled 40% of local San Diego defense jobs, and their work was remarkable. They completed 162 bombers a week, nearly one an hour!
The photo above (bottom far left) was taken at Josie's 95th birthday celebration. She and her husband lie side by side at rest in a Roselawn mausoleum
JAMES HUGH O'NEILL
This is his story.
He served as a chaplain under General Patton in World War II. They were stuck in solid fog and rain, unable to land the paratroopers behind enemy lines or get air cover.
Patton phoned O'Neill and asked him to write a prayer asking God to provide good weather. O'Neill's response was that the weather was HIS domain and HE will do as HE wills.
Patton, known for blood, guts, and glory, responded that there were 3 ways a man gets what he wants: by planning, by working, and by praying. He instructed O'Neill to write the prayer.
O'Neill wrote the prayer, which became known as the Patton Prayer. 250,000 copies of the prayer were distributed to the troops on December 12th, and on December 20th, the weather cleared. They launched the invasion during the "Battle of the Bulge," widely regarded as one of the war's turning points.
After the war ended, O'Neill was assigned to the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and he rode his bicycle through the streets of Pueblo. We will always remember him as the priest who wrote the Patton Prayer, and his final resting place is in Block 39 at Roselawn.
"Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee and They great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains, which we have had to contend with, grant us fair weather for battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies, and establish Thy justice among men and nations. Amen"
CONCLUSION:
As we share the stories of our Roselawn Veterans who shaped history, we come to the realization that ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL, and each of the 4,000 Veterans laid to rest at Roselawn is deserving of a wreath on their final resting place.
Please consider not only sponsoring a wreath for your loved one(s) but also for those without family to remember them. Kindly review the attached sponsorship form, as you may want to consider the "Family Bundle" 5 wreaths @ $17 each = $85.
Your consideration and generosity are appreciated as we join hands to make Roselawn's 8th Annual Wreaths Across America a success!
Flag your calendars and plan to attend - Saturday, December 19, 2026, 12:00 Noon Outdoor Ceremony
