Ida Ayres never served a day in the armed forces, but at 95, she knows plenty about the sacrifices of war.
“Through six wars, I have been the daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother of family members who served, or are serving, their country,” Ida told me.
During World War I, Ida’s father, Sam DiRenna, fought for the Italian army. DiRenna, who was born in a small town near Naples, was captured by the Germans and spent 13 months in a concentration camp. The Germans branded his forehead – a scar he retained for the rest of his life.
He was declared a hero in Italy for overcoming the brutality. He eventually settled in America. He sent for his wife. They gave birth to Ida and two sons, Angelo and Pasquale. Life was hard during the Depression years, but Ida’s family prevailed.
But then America was thrust back into war – a war in which both of Ida’s brothers would serve.........