Bid Farewell to Two Jacksonville World War II Veterans, Jan 3, 2024

|Published on: Jan 1, 2024||

Tribute to America’s Greatest Generation

FRANCIS “FRANK” PURPURA

When World War II Veteran Frank Purpura was 18-years-old, he was aboard the LST 356 while his and many other ships loaded with men, supplies, and ammunition began their deployment to France’s beaches in terrible stormy weather for the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. Purpura was struck with shrapnel from flying debris, patched up and quickly returned to duty. As a Higgins boat driver, he then made over 50 trips between Utah, Sword, and the other Normandy beaches. The LST 356 participated in several different actions earning three battle stars. Purpura was an active member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 524.

Frank Purpura was the Guest of Honor of the Annual D-Day Remembrance on June 6, 2022 hosted by the We Can Be Heroes Foundation. See the story and pictures by clicking here.

Frank Purpura passed on December 26th. Visitation and reception is Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park. On Thursday, Jan 4, at 11:00 a.m. is the graveside service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Palatka.

JULIAN DUANE MYRA

When World War II Veteran Julian Myra was 26-years old, he was sent to Germany to serve during the war.  Later, Myra served in the Korean War at the Army Headquarters in the U. S. Mr. Myra taught school in Duval County for many years.

Julian Myra was a Guest of Honor of the 2023 Annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance hosted by the We Can Be Heroes Foundation. He celebrated his 96th birthday with the crowd at the Remembrance. At least one of his former Duval County students was present to honor Mr. Myra. Watch Mr. Myra’s interview at the event by clicking here.

Julian Myra passed December 22nd. Visitation is Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville. A funeral service will occur Thursday, January 4, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church, 4040 Dunn Avenue in Jacksonville. A committal service will follow the funeral service from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road in Jacksonville.

Friends of Julian Myra and Frank Purpura plan to add these Veterans to the online Wall of Heroes at the We Can Be Heroes Foundation website.

Rest in peace, Dear Veteran Heroes.
We Can Be Heroes Foundation, Nonprofit 501(C)3 Charity
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