"Thank You For Your Service," annual November Exhibit at the Niles-Maine District Library

During the month, visitors to the first floor Commons area  can view a display focusing on the World War II uniforms worn by the two oldest  Niles participants in the Veterans History Project,  Charles Matz - US Marine and Matthew Wojtaszek - US Army Paratrooper who flank their exhibit as shown. Gunnery Sergeant Matz saw extensive action in the Pacific from New Guinea through Peleliu to Okinawa while T/5 Corporal  Wojtaszek fought from North Africa through Italy and Normandy and onto Germany.

 The library acknowledges the generosity and insight shared in this exhibit by Niles resident  and historian,  Chris Reuscher, who assembled the two uniforms from his extensive collection. His website is "the place to discover and explore United States military uniforms and clothing of the World War II era."

Charles Matz and the Honor Flight

The US Marine and Niles Resident made his Honor Flight on May 11. His granddaughter Carol wrote: "I was fortunate enough to be able to go with him and we had a jam-packed day touring D.C. including the WWII Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial and the Air and Space Museum. He was just amazed throughout the entire day with the outpouring of support from complete strangers just wanting to shake his hand and tell him 'thank you for your service.' It was fantastic to witness!"


He kept telling me, “I knew this was going to be good, but I never expected anything like this!”

A Gunnery Sergeant who saw much combat, Mr Matz is a participant in the Veterans History Project at the Niles Public Library.

Chi-Town Entertainment's Tia Rano Leads Parade at Breakfast

Chi-town Entertainment's Tia Rano leads the rousing breakfast finale of a parade, featuring veterans Charles Matz, Richard Vana and son Tim.

Kalia Jefferson and Tia salute to music at the Veterans Breakfast.

Remembering Okinawa: 65 Years Later Panel Participants

Three Marines Charles Matz, Ken Radnitzer, and Dick Vana are joined by Navy veterans Walter Beusse and Don Lewan as they field questions from the audience about their experiences in the Pacfic.

Remembering Okinawa, 65 Years Later

Charles Matz, Kenneth Radnitzer, Richard Vana, 3 U S Marines and veterans of the last battle of World War II, participate in the panel discussion-film program on Sunday, April 18, 2010 program at the Niles Public Library. The audience of 90 library patrons applauded their sacrifices and continuing generosity of spirit.

Remembering Okinawa, 65 Years Later 4th clip

Remembering Okinawa, 65 Years Later 2nd clip

Remembering Okinawa: 65 Years Later, 3rd clip

Remembering Okinawa: 65 Years Later

Mr. Kenneth Radnitzer, Richard Vana and Charles Matz on his 91st Birthday were the guests of honor at the discussion and film program. The 3 U.S. Marines all fought in the last battle of World War II. There are 6 short clips in all from the 2 hour program

Gunnery Sergeant Charles Matz

Mr. Matz's interview transcript has now been completed and has been added to the library's collection. It will shortly be available to hear and read via the library's web site.