Our father, Private First Class Nicholas Zillas, was a proud member of the 285th Combat Engineers in the Battle of the Bulge. Dad lived his life with a love of God, country and family. Dad instilled a deep degree of patriotism in his four children.
Dad marched yearly in the New York Veterans Day Parade, as well as in the Memorial Day Parade in Douglaston, New York well into his seventies until medical issues prevailed. Dad was also a secretary for many years for the 285th Combat Engineers, as well as the editor of their newsletter.
After the horrific events of 9/11, Dad was upset and saddened by what had occurred, not only to New York, but to the country. Dad began to channel his energy into creating patriotic wooden plaques, which he gave to family and friends. Dad began to create one that he was dedicating to Omaha Beach.
Years prior, a friend of Dad’s had gone to Omaha Beach and returned with some stones he brought back as mementoes. He gave the stones to another gentleman who then gave them to Dad, as he knew of Dad’s abiding patriotism.
Our mother, Bessie Zillas, related to us that Dad had asked her which of the two stones should he place on the Omaha Beach plaque. Mom chose one of the two and Dad proceeded to create the plaque.
Days later, he brought the completed plaque to Mom and she was startled by what she saw. On the stone was a figure of a soldier complete with both his jacket and helmet. Mom thought that perhaps what she was seeing was a figment of her imagination, but as she showed it to other people, they all agreed there was a figure of a soldier on the stone.
Mom feels, to this day, that a solider left a part of his soul on the stone from Omaha Beach.
Dad passed away on October 14, 2011. Dad was very adamant that he wanted to be laid to rest in a military cemetery and he was. We salute Dad and all veterans both past, present, and future. May God bless them and our country and may their memories be forever eternal.
The above was submitted by Athena Zillas Carr, daughter of Bessie and Nicholas Zillas. Bessie welcomes callers and may be reached at her home number of 718-463-1321.
