Son of ‘Band of Brothers’ soldier to speak at Johnston Historical Society

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Before the Johnston Historical Society takes its annual July and August hiatus, the non-profit will present what some people are calling a “blockbuster program” on the evening of Wednesday, June 29, at the Museum Barn located at 101 Putnam Pike off Route 44.

“This is a program people won’t want to miss,” said Anthony Ursillo, a member of the society’s Board of Directors. “Our guest speaker will be George Luz Jr., a Scituate resident and son of the late George Luz Sr., who will talk about his father’s role portrayed by actor Rick Gomez in the well-known HBO mini-series ‘Band of Brothers.’”

“Band of Brothers” is a dramatic World War II miniseries produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose’s 1992 non-fiction book.

“The HBO miniseries won Emmy and Golden Globe awards,” Ursillo noted. “The series dramatizes the history of ‘Easy’ Company, which was part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, and the ‘Band of Brothers,’ history has it, followed the unit through the American airborne landings in Normandy, Operation Market Garden, and Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest.”

The late George Luz Sr. was a veteran of Easy Company, and during next Wednesday night’s program his son will speak on the experiences of his late father and the men he served with. Ursillo said the presentation will include a special slide show, and is free.

“If you watched that series you will remember his father, the funny guy from Rhode Island,” Ursillo said. “His talk will also include information about his dad and how he was blessed to have grown up around him, these men and their families.”

Christopher Martin, the society’s corresponding secretary, announced that there will be a mini-cookout before the program, which is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. next Wednesday night. The cookout will start at 6:30 and include hot dogs, watermelon, and Yacht Club Soda. The grill will be turned off at 7:15.

The society will not have meetings or programs in July or August. However, there will be a special wine tasting event on Aug. 21 at Verde Vineyards, 50 Hopkins Ave., beginning at 4 p.m.

“This event has proven so popular, we’re doing it again,” Martin said. “Jim Verde will give a talk on the history of Verde Vineyards, how wine is made, and how to taste wine. He’ll also give a tour of Verde Vineyards.”

Tickets for the wine tasting are $25 per person, and the event is limited to 25 guests. Participants must be age 21 or older, and those who’d like to make a reservation should call Ursillo or Timothy Kee at 401-764-5901.

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