Veterans Day 2020

Veterans Day represents the freedom, sacrifice, and honor for those who served in the military. It also serves as a means to give thanks to those veterans who served. To all the veterans of all branches, thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all.

I’m writing this to specifically honor the veterans within our city. All deserve a big thank you for their service to our country.

I especially want to do a special shout out to veteran John DeMello, who will be turning 102 on his next birthday, which might make him the oldest veteran within our city limits. John, a Vallejo resident, came west from Cape Cod, Mass., seven days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, as part of the famed 211th. The 211th, better known as the “Boys from Boston,” were an anti-aircraft artillery unit deployed to Vallejo to protect Mare Island from further Japanese air attack.

John, who was stationed in Vallejo for almost three years, was later deployed to the

South Pacific for the remaining of World War II, was one of the several hundred of the “Boys” who returned to Vallejo after the war to set up residence, marry, and raise a family. For over 28 years, John owned and operated DeMello Paint in downtown Vallejo, and over the years has volunteered his services as head chef for all the different fundraising organizations such as the Lion’s, Elks, Sons of Italy, etc. John claims to have cooked in every kitchen, of every facility, church, and school in the city.

Thus, to all the veterans of our city, and especially to John DeMello, thank you again for your service.

“The Boys from Boston” is a compilation of stories that tell of the time when 1800 soldiers came to the Vallejo community, and how they were welcomed with open arms at the onset of the war. The book can be purchased from the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum located at 734 Marin St. in downtown Vallejo.

— Gary Cullen/Vallejo