Like some of the older vets, they don a baseball cap emblazoned with a few insignia and a vet status, like WWII. So, the Mayor sees this age appropriate gent walking out of the local espresso bar. I introduced myself and we talked. Who is "Guido" Mariani? He's the man who gave the name to 'Mariani Plaza' or downtown Tahoma. I always enjoy talking with these veterans, they all have great stories and are usually willing to share some if you give them the time. I do. I found out that Guido was in the U.S. Navy, aviation department. He flew as a crewman on the famous PBM patrol bomber/search and rescue in the Pacific Theater. He was a waist gunner, manning a .50 cal. machinegun as close-in defense. He said he was lucky: never got shot down, never crash landed, never lost a fellow crew man.
He came home, raised a family and became a builder, building over 120 homes around the west shore. Quite a few in Tahoma. He also bought some commercial property and now manages those properties. He's proud of his Italian heritage and speaks a little of the mother tongue: Che cosa fai? Tutto bene?
He has lots of grandkids, and can be found in the neighborhood all summer. He's enjoying the good life! A Tahoma personality.
Thank you, 'Guido', for your service years; years of open-ended commitment, in it for the duration, with victory the only option.
No comments:
Post a Comment