Pearl Harbor Day Event - Honoring WWII Veteran Larry Manzo

After a couple of previously rainy days, the sun came out shining, providing a beautiful day for our Pearl Harbor Day event . We all enjoyed the sunshine as we honored our elder brother, Larry Manzo, at another fun and informative Vets Whole In One golf clinic.

It all began with a heart felt and inspiring mindfulness meditation led by our very own Stephen Islas. We then made our way outside for stretching and warm up drills with Jim Dennerline and Scott Morgan. After that, everyone broke off into groups for either full swing or short game instruction. Individuals receiving full swing instruction were in good hands as, Jim Dennerline and special guest, Los Angeles Country Club Golf Professional, Jim Petralia, imparted their vast knowledge and experience to our veteran participants. Alex helped with putting tips and strategies and Danny Saez, instructed participants helping with their full swings, as well as with short game skills.

After the outdoor fun, instruction and warm ups, we made our way into the banquet room for lunch and cake to honor Larry. As usual “The Lakes at El Segundo”, with Scott Morgan’s kindness and generosity, provided a tasty meal for everyone. One of the many highlights that happened during lunch was when Marty Heine, a friend from the Heroes Golf Course sang an old German WWII song to Larry in his honor. She said “she was a young girl during WWII and wanted to honor Mr. Manzo personally”. The song’ she sang was about a young lady

sending letters to her boyfriend, who was pulled into the war to fight against Hitler and the Communist party. Thank you Marty for coming out to our event and singing such a special song to our very special honoree. Our amazing day was capped off by a free 9-hole golf round sponsored by Scott and The Lakes once again! Thank you so much Scott!

All in all, it was another beautiful day of fun, learning and camaraderie. We will see everyone at the next one!

PS. This is a passage from “Coming Home to Peace”, which was read by Stephen during the mindfulness meditation he guided he led:

Thich Nhat Hanh said to us “ You veterans are at the tip of the candle. You burn hot and bright. You understand deeply the nature of suffering. “He told us that the only way to heal, to transform suffering, is to stand face to face with suffering, to realize the intimate details of suffering and how our life in the present is affected by it…. He told us that the non veterans were more responsible for war than veterans. That because of the interconnection of all things, there is no escape from responsibility. That those who think they aren’t responsible are the most responsible”.

Stephen Islas left, Larry Manzo center, Jim Dennerline right.

Larry Manzo, 91 year old WWII Veteran Badass!