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Two square dedications mark Veteran's Day observances
news@woburnonline.com

WOBURN - In observance of Veteran's Day, the city's Veteran's Office is planning two square dedications over the course of the next week at two different locations in the city.

This Sunday, Nov. 6 at approximately 11 a.m. there will be the dedication of the Sgt. George E. Slack Square at the corner of School and Main streets in North Woburn.

The dedication will follow the traditional Veteran's Day Service, this year being held at the North Congregational Church in North Woburn at 10 a.m.

On Veteran's Day, Friday, Nov. 11, a dedication of Private Charles Gangi Square will be held at approximately 11:30 a.m., or immediately after the events on Woburn Common.

The dedication will take place at the Gangi's family building (the Woburn Bowladrome and Crestview Plaza) at the corner of Montvale Avenue and the entrance to the Walnut Street municipal parking area.

Sgt. Slack Square

Born in England, Sgt. George E. Slack graduated from Woburn Memorial High School in 1942.

Before entering the service, he was employed at General Ship and Engine Works in East Boston.

He was active in the affairs of the North Congregational Church, particularly activities involving younger members.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942 and received his basic training in New Orleans.

He was stationed in England but was killed on March 18,1944 during a bombing mission over Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Presidential Citation. The son of Mrs. Alice G. Slack, he also had three brothers, Robert, Raymond and Wilfred and a sister, Greta.

Pvt. Gangi Square

Pvt. Charles Gangi was born in Topfsield but graduated from Woburn Memorial High School. He is remembered as an outstanding bowler on many Woburn Bowldadrome teams.

He entered the Marine Corps on Jan. 10, 1943 and was assigned to the carrier USS Cowpens as the gunner of a 40mm gun.

On Dec. 4, 1943, the Cowpens was under attack from enemy fire and Pt. Gangi was at his post returning fire.

He, along with many others at the same post, were killed when an American plane attempting to make an emergency landing crashed into the gun post.

His citations were many, but Pvt. Gangi's most notably received the Victory Medal and the Purple Heart.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore Gangi, he had eight brothers: Michael, Vincent, Carmino, David, Anthony, Albert and Louis. He also had four sisters: Elizabeth, Carmella, Ann and Josephine.

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