b'2022 KNIGHT OF THE YEAR: Louis C. GrazianoFATHER LARRY ENDRIZZI COUNCIL 6918, THOMSON, GABobbie and family.They settled in Thomson, GA after the war (Bobbie, a native Alabamian, did not like the New York cold) and began a family.They raised five children and welcomed foster children into their home.Louis became a respected business-man with a hair salon, a restaurant and a leader in the commu-nity. Mr. Graziano has even served as the Grand Marshal of the local Christmas parade.Louis was instrumental in the building of a brick-and-mortar church; the services had been held in local houses.Louis put his construction talents to use in design and hands-on con-struction of Queen of Angels Church.This was after he per-sonally solicited funds for construction, often from non-Catho-lics!After construction, he has spent thousands of hours as the overseer of maintenance and new construction of the church hall, education building and the Knights Hall.AND he is still involved!!!Finally, his service to the Knights of Columbus has been tremendous.He was one of the Father Larry Endrizzi Council Mr. Luciano Louis Charles Graziano, Mr. Lou, to those6918s founders.He has nurtured its growth and stability.He who know and love him, was born on February 6, 1923, in thehas headed up fund raisers like bingo, fish fries, chili suppers small town of East Aurora, New York.His parents, Pietro andand many other activities hundreds of times.Louis has been Filipa, immigrated from Sicily, Italy looking for a better life.Lou- an active member of the Fourth Degree Assembly and served is finished eighth grade and had to help the family.His fatherin more honor guards then we can count. He has served as a worked as a brick mason; Louis first went to work with him.HisGrand Knight and was Treasurer of Council 6918 for over twen-mother, sister, and brother became hair stylists and Louis pur- ty years.He has two sons and two grandsons in Council 6918 sued this training and it became a lifelong career.today.In 1941, the United States entered WWII.On January 2,Mr. Graziano has put his catholic faith in action as exemplified 1943, at the age of 19, Louis Graziano was inducted into theby service to country, his family, his church, and his Knights United States Army at Fort Niagara in New York.After 17 weekscouncil.It is with honor that we nominate him for GA Knight of training, Louis joined over 16,000 troops and boarded theof the Year.Queen Mary to sail to England.After landing, Louis oversaw a construction crew of 35 men.Finally, the day arrived: D-day.Louis and his men landed on2020-21 Ladies Auxiliary: Prince of Peace Columbiettesthe infamous Omaha Beach.They became part of the thirdCOUNCIL 13457, FLOWERY BRANCH, GAwave, landing to sights, sounds, and smells that could melt the human soul.Louis said the need to do the job overcame all2021-22 Ladies Auxiliary: St. Micheals the Archangelelse. They fought established German emplacements and per- COLUMBIETTE AUXILIARY 11768severed.Forty-three days and twenty miles later, Louis and his remaining crew were part of the final taking of St. Lo, France.2022 Honorable Mentions Knight of the YearFrom St. Lo, the army fought its way to Reims, France whichJerry Landkamer.Council 14425became the headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Forces.Tom OConnor.Council 14425He and his crew prepared The Little Red School House for anPeter Darcy .Council 12862 historic event.Mr. Graziano had the honor of attending the sur- Henry T. Lam.Council 7923render of the German Generals to General Dwight EisenhowerRev. John P. Knight Council 12580at that structure.Mr. Graziano is the last living member of theJoe Hrovat.Council 10821Allies to witness the signing.This past summer Mr. Graziano received the French Legion of Honor, the highest civilian medal2022 Family of the Year Runners-Up: of their government.This time in Mr. Grazianos life can beLloyd Forshee family .Council 12862 / District 19looked at in more depth in a book he authored entitled: A Pa- Paulinus Okonkwo family Council 12580 / District 12triots Memoirs of World War II; Through my eyes, heart, andDerek Smith family.Council 7923 / District 21soul. Dennis Crowley family .Council 8495 / District 24Another event that would change Louis life forever, occurredPatrick Pepper family Council 4371 / District 6during this time; he met his future wife and love of his life, Bob-bie.Bobbie was a member of the WAACs; Louis and Bobbie2022 Honorable Mentions for the Ladies Auxiliaries were married wearing their uniforms in Reims in October 1945.St. Augustine.Council 11340After being separated, the war ended, and they were reunited inPrince of Peace.Council 13457the U.S. and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Our Ladies of La SaletteCouncil 8376Louis service to country was duplicated by his service to 67'