Veterans Day Event

On Saturday, November 10, Mandarin Museum & Historical Society will honor the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and the only man from Mandarin who died in the war. Pvt. Marion Joseph Losco served in France only a few months before being killed in battle there. He was buried in the American Cemetery of Oise-Aisne.

At 11 am, The Mandarin High School JROTC will present the colors and read the names of all the men from Mandarin who served in World War I. Following the placing of the flags, Paul Ghiotto, relative of Marion Losco and author of the book A Soldier’s Story, will welcome guests with a short talk about World War I and Private Losco.

A special World War I exhibit inside the Mandarin Museum contains items that were sent home after Losco’s death as well as a listing of all who served from Mandarin and a complete WWI uniform. Autographed copies of A Soldier’s Story will also be available. The book contains the letters from Pvt. Losco to his mother as well as other personal documents and photographs that tell his story.

The exhibit in honor of Losco can be viewed in the Mandarin Museum from 9 am – 4 pm. The special presentation is at 11 am. The Losco Winery will be open from 9 am – 4 pm, except from 11 am – 12 pm during the presentation. This 1890s-era log cabin belonged to the Losco family and was moved to the park.