The Ocean County Library proudly invites you to a showing of “Oh, Johnny,” the thrilling and poignant documentary of D-Day survivor John Santillo at the OCL Point Pleasant Beach Branch, 7 p.m. on Monday, June 3.
The Lawrence Schwartz film’s slogan is “Old soldiers never die; they just make you smile.” Follow John on his 2019 journey to the 75th D-Day Anniversary observance in France, back to the soil that was his battleground, now placid and scenic.
The story contrasts John’s life as a young Army draftee in the all-out Allied assault and as a 97-year-old veteran in Brick Township coming to terms with its deep personal impact. John’s exuberance is balanced by painful memories that inform his views on war today.
Producer-director Lawrence Schwartz of Point Pleasant Beach undertook the project after a remarkable career as an NBC News producer, New York Post journalist, and educator at Rutgers University and New York City public schools.
He demonstrates a fervent commitment to preserving the legacy of World War II veterans as an Advisory Board member of the Center for World War II Studies at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft and a charter member of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclOhJohnny for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Point Pleasant Beach Branch, 710 McLean Avenue, call (732) 892-4575, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.
