The precursor to the Honor Roll Monument on the village green was this rustic log structure designed by architect Alfredo Taylor in 1946 to commemorate those who served in World War II. Four Norfolk men were killed following our country’s entrance into that war after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, 75 years ago. Three of the four were first- and second-generation immigrants. John Matula, son of Polish-born Mary and Frank Matula, enlisted in 1942 at the age of 20 and died three years later on the Pacific front. Robert Lattimer was just 19 when he joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1944 and was lost at sea that year. William Finn, a second-generation Irish immigrant, died at the age of 27 in the Philippines. John Mahoney, one of seven children of Matthew and Mary Mahoney, was a 20-year old airman when his B-24 was badly damaged by enemy fire. He and his crew bailed out over Belgium, where they joined the Belgian resistance. He was captured and executed by German soldiers on Sept. 6, 1944.

Ann Havemeyer