Former Local Resident Working to Preserve Legacy of WWII Generation

Wakefield native Holly Rotondi has devoted a good part of her career to helping ensure that the contributions of America's veterans are not forgotten.

She spent 14 years with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, including time as vice president, and more recently became the executive director of the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, in Washington D.C.

In a recent phone conversation with Wakefield Patch, Rotondi said that she had great uncles who were World War II veterans, but growing up knew little about their service.

Growing up in Wakefield, Rotondi reports that she attended the Dolbeare School and St. Joseph's School before attending Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody.

She majored in history at American University and did her senior thesis on veterans. Soon after, she met the founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and her career path was set.

"I just developed a strong respect and admiration for all that they do for us and continue to do for us," said Rotondi.

Rotondi also discussed an ongoing project where student volunteers conduct personal interviews with World War II veterans so their stories can be preserved. The organization has reportedly conducted about 300 of the interviews so far, and families continue to inquire about having their grandfathers and other relatives interviewed, said Rotondi.

Several dozen of these veteran interviews can be viewed at this link on the Friends of the National World War II Memorial website.

Along with the interviews and facilitating the upkeep and monitoring of the memorial itself, the Friends of the World War II Memorial organizes various events through the year - including for Veterans Day, Memorial Day and V-J Day.

Rotondi started her position earlier this year and recalled the experience of sitting and listening to some of the World War II vets tell their stories.

"It just really hit home what I've joined. It's something very special," said Rotondi.

To learn more about the Friends of the World War II Memorial, visit their website here, or their Facebook page here.