Honoring Member Anthony "Tony" Giammalvo

Republished from The Press of Manorville and Moriches
By Kevin Molloy

March, 2005

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest.
God is nigh. -Taps

Anthony Giammalvo of East Moriches, a master bugler with the U.S. Navy, was presented with the military's Distinguished Service Award during a ceremony held earlier this month in Garden City. Mr. Giammalvo has been playing "Taps" for deceased veterans for almost 60 years.

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Navy Master Bugler Anthony Giammalvo stood on the beach of Okinawa on an early April morning in 1945, and looked at the toll of the battle he had witnessed over the past few days. It had been the largest amphibious invasion of World War II in the Pacific theater, costing the lives of more than 12,000 U.S. Marines, sailors and soldiers.

As his fallen comrades were laid to rest, tears ran down his 20-year-old cheeks while he raised his bugle and played "Taps," the 24 eloquent and haunting notes that have sounded at our nation's military funerals since the Civil War.

"Gabriel blew that horn, not me," said Mr. Giammalvo, who had been aboard the U.S.S. Eurayle, a submarine tender, during the battle.

Since that morning nearly 60 years ago, Mr. Giammalvo of East Moriches has continued to honor those who have served our country with that final tribute at their graves. Through the Korean War, Vietnam, and now for those who have been killed in action in Iraq, Mr. Giammalvo and his bugle have continued to serve his country when they are called.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Marines recognized Mr. Giammalvo's six decades of service, presenting him with the Distinguished Service Award at the Marines' 1st District Headquarters in Garden City for his continuous duty to our nation's military personnel and veterans.

"It was the first time I was ever acknowledged for doing it," Mr. Giammalvo said, noting that he never expected an award or honor for doing what he thought was his duty. "I felt sorry for these veterans, especially the young guys. I was always eager to go. At least I was there when they needed me."

With no full-time bugler on staff at Long Island's national cemeteries at Pinelawn and Calverton, veterans are buried with "Taps" played electronically, unless someone calls Mr. Giammalvo or another bugler.

"For us at the Marine Corps, he adds something special at a very difficult time," said Major J.J Dill, who presented the medal to Mr. Giammalvo at the awards ceremony. "It just adds a special element to the ceremony that makes it a little more special for the family. It makes them feel like the Marine Corps is going all out."

The award was created by Col. Warren J. Foersch of the Marines's 1st District Headquarters in Garden City to honor any former service member who continues to give back to the community. Mr. Giammalvo is only the third person to receive the award.

"Col. Foersch recognized there was a need for recognition for these guys," Major Dill said. "It's humbling for us in active duty to know that guys like this are out there."

After his service in the military, Mr. Giammalvo returned to his home in Brooklyn, working for his family's dairy business, Malvo Cheese.

Moving to Valley Stream with his wife, Joan, he continued to be active in veterans' organizations, playing taps at the funerals of veterans or those killed in action whenever he was called.

"He was always there when they needed him," Mrs. Giammalvo said. "He knows what it was like [in battle], and that they should be honored the best way we know how."

Since moving to East Moriches after his retirement in 1983, Mr. Giammalvo has served as the Chaplain for the American Legion Post 1545 in Eastport, and is active in the Marine Corps League.

"He has a great dedication to the men and women in military service," said Dick Westhoff, adjutant of the Marine Corps League and a friend of Mr. Giammalvo.

Every April Mr. Giammalvo performs with a musical combo for the residents at the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook, according to Mr. Westhoff. Mr. Giammalvo also plays at local Memorial Day services.

Whenever Mr. Westhoff is alerted through the Marine Corps League that a bugler is needed, he calls his friend, who continues to serve his nation in the best way he can-almost 60 years after that morning on Okinawa.

"It means a great deal for us," Major Dill said. "Our motto is once a Marine, always a Marine. And Mr. Giammalvo continues that tradition."

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