Twin WWII Vets Honored as Veterans of the Year

History was alive and well at the Palm Springs City Hall Friday during the California State Legislature’s annual Veterans of the Year ceremony.  Twin brothers, John and Lou Turlo of Palm Springs, were honored as this year’s 42nd Assembly District Veteran of the Year.  The brothers who served in the U.S. Army during WWII, celebrated along with friends and fellow vets, as they were unable to travel to Sacramento for the official ceremony. 

“Today, we honored our greatest generation.  A generation that refused to stand idle as freedom itself was brought to the brink of extinction.  I am proud to recognize the sacrifices of our WWII veterans and all of our veterans that served our great nation," Assemblyman Brian Nestande said.

Veterans of all ages came from the Hemet/San Jacinto valley, the San Gorgonio Pass and the Coachella Valley.  In honor of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day, a special recognition was given to WWII veterans.  Veterans who served in both the Pacific and European theater were present, including a Pearl Harbor survivor. 

The Turlo brothers were chosen as Veterans of the Year for the heroic efforts as well as their unique story.  John and Lou chose to join the United States Army because at the time it was the only branch that allowed brothers to serve side by side.  Their older brother Ed Turlo, had been part of the D-Day invasion and later was reunited with his younger brothers in the war. Ed Turlo currently lives in Ohio and is a member of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.  Both John & Lou served on the front lines in Europe and as Germany began their retreat, the Turlo’s helped liberate POW camps. 

During the ceremony, John and Lou Turlo were presented with a California State Assembly Resolution.  

--Information provided by the office of Assemblyman Brian Nestande