"We've tried since '45 to get a monument," said veteran George Silveira. Pointing to his friend Mario Ghilotti, Silveira added, "and this guy here finally got it done."

Ghilotti offered his own perspective on the committee's success.

"General Eisenhower credited four things for the Americans' success -- the Jeep, the 6-by-6 truck, the Garand rifle and American ingenuity," Ghilotti said. "This was American ingenuity in action."

Erma has worked behind the scenes collecting donations, attending meetings and organizing corresondence for the memorial. The two and-a-half year project has had its ups and

downs, but the result has been well worth the effort.

"Sometimes," Erma said, "You realize that there is something you have to do before you leave this earth."

The crowd, estimated to be between 1,200 and 1,500, applauded enthusiastically when the monument was unveiled. As if on cue, a B-25 flew by overhead, to the cheers of the crowd. Memorial wreaths were laid at all three monuments by representatives of civic organizations, recognizing the fallen servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives serving their country.

Frank Keaton, World War II veteran and committee member, spoke briefly, recognizing those in the armed forces as well as the invaluable contributions of all those who helped on the home-front during World War II. He then laid a wreath on behalf of all who served and in honor of fallen servicemen and women.