FRANCISCO RECEIVED WW WAR II VICTORY MEDAL

Francisco Serrano received the American Theater Service Medal, the WW II Victory Medal and four Overseas Service Bars. The World War II Victory Medal is For service in the US Armed Forces between 07 June 1943 and 31 Jan 1946.
Description: The bronze medal is 1 3/8 inches in width. On the front is a figure of Liberation standing full length with head turned to dexter looking to the dawn of a new day, right foot resting on a war god’s helmet with the hilt of a broken sword in the right hand and the broken blade in the left hand, the inscription "WORLD WAR II" placed immediately below the center. On the reverse are the inscriptions "FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND WANT" and "FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND RELIGION" separated by a palm branch, all within a circle composed of the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1914 1945."
Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/8 inch double rainbow in juxtaposition (blues, greens, yellows, reds (center), yellows greens and blues); 1/32 inch White 67101; center 9/16 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 1/32 inch White; and 3/8 inch double rainbow in juxtaposition. The rainbow on each side of the ribbon is a miniature of the pattern used in the WWI Victory Medal.

GALA NEWS AND FAMILY REPORT

the Gala Foundation announced today that many of the initiatives of the late Francisco Serrano will remain in full force and are currently being reviewed for a gradual implementation. Francisco Serrano had a true vision for Radio Broadcasting. he left thousands of recordings and unpublished writings that are now being carefully reviewed , preserved and cataloged. He left several suggestions that are presently being read and filed. Francisco Serrano spear-headed the Missions Movement of the Foundation . He donated alot of revenue for this cause and this was implemented after the passing of fellow Gala Board Member, Felicita M. Serrano. Felicita had a love and passion for the Missions.

Francisco Serrano is now with the Lord and his life here on earth ended on April 8, 2009 but his legacy , his vision and his story will live on to inspire and motivate future generations so that they will never forget about Honor! Francisco honored God, He honored his country and he honored humanity.

FRANCISCO; A MOMENT IN TIME

A POEM FOR PANCHITO

The following poem was read in the Military Grave Site Ceremonies at Bay Pines National Cemetery. It was dedicated to the memory of TEC 5 Francisco Serrano.

"He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.


And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Panchito has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a Veteran died today.


He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a Veteran died today.


When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a Veteran goes unnoticed and unsung.


Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?


A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Veteran, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.


It's so easy to forget them for it was so long ago, that our Francisco's, our Bob's, our Joanne's went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.


Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?


Francisco was just a common Veteran and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.


If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a Veteran died today."

REMEMBERING FRANCISCO SERRANO

Condolences

Mr. Serrano was my father-in-law many years ago and I remember him as one of the nicest men I've had the pleasure of nowing and was sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Kim
Posted by: Kimberly Shatraw Land O Lakes, FL April 21, 2009

Yo soy sonia Cruz Serrano, hija de Angelita Serrano, hermana de Tio Panchito. Por este medio les envio mi condolencia a la Familia. Perdonen no pude estar presente, pues estoy recidiendo en Puerto Rico. Estuve informada siempre por mami. Recuerdo a Tio siempre pues cuando me case el me entrego en la iglesia, pues mi padre habia muerto, esto fue en el ano l971. Visite a Tio y Maria en el 2002 en Tampa y tengo fotos, despues de muchos anos sin verle lo encontre tan joven, feliz y me recibio con mucho carino, igual Maria. Siempre le recordare con Amor pues cuando nos mudamos a new York nos trato muy bien. Dios les de mucho consuelo a Uds. Y Que Tio Descanse en paz con nuestro senor JesuCristo. Les pido no se olviden que tienen una prima aca en P.R. y se pueden comunicar conmigo. Espero verles algun dia. Hoy dia les envio un carinoso y triste abrazo por la partida de nuestro Querido Panchito. Que descanse en paz. Muy Triste con esta noticia, les saluda tu prima Sonia Cruz Serrano.
Posted by: Sonia Bonaparte Castaner, Lares, PR April 20, 2009

I grew up all my life going to see grandpa and he always had the best stories..as I grew older I realized he told the same ones over and over but they remained funny and amuzing. He was always saying we were supposed to be rich b/c he was a serrayes but the stork got tired and dropped him off at the serrano residence. I miss him sooo much but Im thankful for all the things he tought me and great memories that include he and I.
Posted by: Jackie Serrano bacso philadelphia, PA April 19, 2009

Francisco Serrano's Legacy will remain intact and will continue to inspire new generations of what a True father should resemble. He was a wonderful Father and I will always value the memories and the Man that is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord

Noel Serrano Tampa, FL April 14, 2009

To Maria and the Family of Francisco May The Lord God comfort you in your grief, and give you peace as well as strength. May you know His love and grow closer to Him. Lucy
Posted by: Lucy B Tampa, FL April 10, 2009

FRANCISCO AND FRIENDS

THE FOLDING OF THE FLAG