~Meeting the Family~
Meeting with the family on Mother's Day
As I sit in the kitchen with the family of the Bennino brothers I just can’t believe what a journey it has been. It all started with a list of names of soldiers from Connecticut who died in World War II. As I scrolled the last name, "Bennino" caught my eye not once, but twice. With further studying it dawned on me that these were brothers from Rocky Hill, Connecticut. It was then I knew that this was an extraordinary discovery that I was determined to learn more about.
As I began my research, finding information was difficult and I was getting concerned. However, I continued on and eventually found out that , the youngest sister of the brothers,Edith Bennino, was alive and residing in Massachusetts. It was a very nerve racking process seeing that neither myself or the family had ever met. How can you call someone up and say, "Hey I am researching your relatives and would love to meet with you?" I was not to worry though. The Bennino's relatives opened up their home to Ms. Nelson-Kauffman & I. Today, I couldn't imagine my life without knowing this incredible family.
On Mother’s Day we were excited to be invited to learn more about these two boys from Connecticut. I didn't know what to expect as we drove about 2 hours to meet for the first time. What I found was an entire family intrigued by this project and wanting to share every possible story. As we all gathered and listened to Edith you could see her vividly imagining Horace & Frank as she told us more about the two. Even her family was hearing stories they had never known; we were all in this together.
As I began my research, finding information was difficult and I was getting concerned. However, I continued on and eventually found out that , the youngest sister of the brothers,Edith Bennino, was alive and residing in Massachusetts. It was a very nerve racking process seeing that neither myself or the family had ever met. How can you call someone up and say, "Hey I am researching your relatives and would love to meet with you?" I was not to worry though. The Bennino's relatives opened up their home to Ms. Nelson-Kauffman & I. Today, I couldn't imagine my life without knowing this incredible family.
On Mother’s Day we were excited to be invited to learn more about these two boys from Connecticut. I didn't know what to expect as we drove about 2 hours to meet for the first time. What I found was an entire family intrigued by this project and wanting to share every possible story. As we all gathered and listened to Edith you could see her vividly imagining Horace & Frank as she told us more about the two. Even her family was hearing stories they had never known; we were all in this together.
Giving Edith Bennino the flags from the American Cemetery.
We met once again and their entire family has come just to hear what we have accomplished. When Edith received the flags, sand, rocks, and the picture from the American Cemetery and Normandy Beach I felt so happy to be able to bring these items back from France. She had never visited and now she has the soil from France; where her brothers landed 68 years ago. It was a joyous occasion as well as an emotional one. I can still remember hugging her for quite some time; taking in the moment that will last with me forever.
After my journey to Normandy, France I realized that I was making history. The American Cemetery listed 33 brothers who were buried; Frank & Horace were not one of the 33. As I delivered my eulogies the cemetery official asked if they were related and then noted it was not on file. I went to France to share two stories of two courageous heroes. I came back to the U.S. changing history at 15 years old. The Bennino brothers' family even have the option to put Horace & Frank side by side upon request.
Whatever the direction of the decision I know that I made it possible and
brought back information the family had not known.
Lately, I have been learning that my experiences do benefit me. It is great for college resume's and job applications. Although, the biggest lesson I have taken away is that it is not about benefiting myself. Rather, it is about affecting someone's life. Even if I could make a person's day by just smiling it is enough for me. This Normandy Institute has allowed me to do so much more for a loving, caring family that should be honored and proud of Frank & Horace Bennino.
After my journey to Normandy, France I realized that I was making history. The American Cemetery listed 33 brothers who were buried; Frank & Horace were not one of the 33. As I delivered my eulogies the cemetery official asked if they were related and then noted it was not on file. I went to France to share two stories of two courageous heroes. I came back to the U.S. changing history at 15 years old. The Bennino brothers' family even have the option to put Horace & Frank side by side upon request.
Whatever the direction of the decision I know that I made it possible and
brought back information the family had not known.
Lately, I have been learning that my experiences do benefit me. It is great for college resume's and job applications. Although, the biggest lesson I have taken away is that it is not about benefiting myself. Rather, it is about affecting someone's life. Even if I could make a person's day by just smiling it is enough for me. This Normandy Institute has allowed me to do so much more for a loving, caring family that should be honored and proud of Frank & Horace Bennino.