SLC memorial services honor Greek war heroes and victims of Utah industrial accidents

 

By Chris Metos

 

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The Salt Lake City Greek Community held traditional memorial day services at the base of the Hellenic Historical Monument, in the courtyard of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West. The memorial honors the memory of thirty-eight servicemen who made the supreme sacrifice for their country in World War I, World War II and the Korean Conflict; and 222 Greeks who lost their lives in Utah industrial accidents.

            Bronze plaques on the monument list the names of the two hundred sixty men who were lost and list “Unknown”, for those who could not de identified.

   

Two Utah servicemen, Greek veterans of World War II were honored

 

            Representative of the patriotism of over 600 Greek-Americans who serve with distinction in the armed forces of the USA, two highly decorated young men have been cited for their courage and sacrifice during World War II. The late John B. Sergakis, an airman, was shot down while on his 25th bombing mission over Italy. He parachuted to safety behind enemy lines and was saved by Italian partisans. His parents were notified by telegram that “The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son, Technical Sergeant John B. Sergakis, has been reported missing in action since Fifteen January in Italy. If further details or other information are received you will be promptly notified.” (Signed) Ulio The Adjutant General (Dated 16 Jan 44).

The family held a memorial service at Holy Trinity Church. Posing as a deaf-mute and aided by friendly Italian farmers, John was finally able to be reunited with American forces near Rome. His parents received the joyful news via telegram dated June 23, 1944: “I am pleased to inform you your son, Technical Sergeant John B. Sergakis, was returned to duty Five June. Undoubtedly he will communicate with you at an early date concerning his welfare and whereabouts.” (Signed) Ulio The Adjutant General. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation and Air Medal with five-oak leaf clusters. Returning to Utah, John had a prominent career in business, church, civic affairs and cultural activities. Born September 13, 1918, he passed away June 4, 1989 after a long illness.

           

The real heroes are the ones who did not come home

 

            Barely a year out of high school, Steven J. Poulos was a rifleman with the US 29th Infantry Division that landed on Omaha Beach, France, June 6, 1944, “D-Day” – part of the 387,000 American, British and Canadian force in the largest land-sea-air invasion ever assembled against Nazi Germany. Called “Suicide Beach”, over 1,000 American soldiers died that day on the 3-mile-long Omaha Beach. On June 19, Steven’s unit had the assignment of seizing the town of St.-Lo. His squad was fired upon by mortars and machine gun fire. Machine gun bullets grazed his leg, two pierced his right side, one struck him in the back, and another ricocheted off a gold cross that he wore on a chain around his neck. The gold cross saved his life! He was evacuated to a field hospital on Omaha Beach, later to England and finally, to the Army’s Bushnell General Hospital in Brigham City, Utah. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and other medals. He still bears scars from bullet wounds. He emphatically denies that he is a hero. “The real heroes are dead,” he says sadly. “It was the biggest invasion in history and I happened to be in it.”

            Returning to civilian life, Steven became a successful businessman, active in church and cultural affairs. He and the former Billie Loukas were married February 15, 1959. They have three children – Nicholas, Stephanie and Vickie – and are proud of their five grandchildren. A talented singer, Billie has performed with professional groups and is active in the Greek Orthodox Church choir, the parish council and with the Hellenic Cultural Association/HC Museum.

            During the Memorial Day Services, a plaque portraying the Holy trinity was presented by the community to Steven and his wife, Billie Loukas Poulos. A similar plaque was presented to Justin Rogers, grandson of the late John B. Sergakis.

 

Native Greek military – Resistance veterans were honored

 

            During the Memorial Day Services, the SLCity Greek Orthodox Community honored native Greek servicemen and Resistance fighters who fought the Nazis in Greece during World War II. About eighteen individuals have been located and others are being sought. Also, civilians who endured the horrors of the Nazi occupation. These gallant individuals who suffered so much during this wartime period, will be interviewed and photographed by the Hellenic Cultural Association for its HC Museum Historical archives. A plaque of St. George slaying the Dragon was presented to the families during the Memorial Day Services.

 

Memorial Day Services notes significant times

 

            Special emphasis on this year’s observance of Memorial Day Services was that the year 2001 marks the 60th anniversary of at least two highly important events that have occurred during the past six decades: (1) the sixtieth anniversary of the invasion of Crete by elite German paratroopers (May 20-30, 1941) and (2) the entry of the USA into World War II (December 7, 1941). Statistically, it is estimated that about 1,500 USA veterans of World War II pass away every day. Therefore, the need to collect personal histories of veterans and memorabilia becomes more significant. The Hellenic Cultural Museum has created a special exhibit area devoted to the history of Utah Greeks in World War I and World War II. Tours of the HC Museum are open to the public.

 

            Memorial Services by the Greek Orthodox Community of Salt Lake City have been conducted each year at the base of the Hellenic Historical Monument, located in the Courtyard of the Holy trinity Cathedral. This traditional event started Sunday, April 24, 1988, when the Hellenic Historical Monument was dedicated to the memory of founders of the Greek Orthodox Church (1905); to the 38 Greek servicemen who made the supreme sacrifice for their country in World War I, World War II and the Korean Conflict; and the 222 Greeks who died in Utah industrial accidents.

            Sponsoring organizations for the Memorial Services include: the Greek Orthodox Community of Salt Lake City, Philoptochos Society, Hellenic Cultural Association, Cretan Clubs of Utah – Minos Chapter, Daughters of Minos, Cretan Juniors and Minotavros Youth, the Order of AHEPA – Chapter #146, Daughters of Penelope – Chari Chapter #146, Society of Athanasios Diakos, Arcadian Brotherhood “Theodore Kolokotronis”, and the Arcadian Brotherhood – Ladies Auxiliary “Arcadia” Chapter.