In 1932 the American Legion formed the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) to teach the children of veterans the principles of “justice, freedom and democracy” and to help prepare the youth for success. Little did the founders think that in 2019 an 87-year-old recruit would be inducted into the organization. But Giovanni Bernardis, a native of Italy, joined the Hurlock Post 243 SAL in 2019 as the stepson of an American veteran.

Giovanni’s winding path led him to the Woods Edge home of his daughter Claudia and her husband Matthew Fahey after living his youth in war torn Italy. His father died early in World War II and young Giovanni’s life was turned upside down. Enter the American Army’s 1st Lt. Jacob (Jake) Schiffman, stationed in the 6th General Hospital as a supply officer, who met young Giovanni’s mother in Rome. He says, “After the war, my mom put me on a train to go north. Four years later, in 1945, she showed up with Jake who returned to America and came back to Italy in the 50s.”