05/26/2025
MEMORIAL DAY... Please remember the Spirit of this great day... The servicemen and servicewomen no longer with us who served for the freedoms of America. Thank every surviving former or current service person if you have the chance, even beyond the holiday.
Representing the US Army during WWII, and the founder of Temple Food Mart, is the late Arthur Skiathitis, Sr. Arthur Sr. (SKI) eventually went from Aviation training in San Angelo, Texas, then trained as a paratrooper to ultimately land behind enemy Japanese lines overseas for the O.S.S. (Office of Strategic Services). Today, this entity is known as the CIA.
He was dispatched to what is known as the Burma Campaign, Indo-China. Through an interpreter, with the aid of Chinese Guerilla fighters, known as the "Kachin" Rangers, Arthur Sr. and his platoon would gather Japanese intelligence. The "Kachin" were necessary, as they knew the foreign terrain to be navigated, the dangerous jungles.
Pictured below is Arthur Sr., postured in front of a fighter plane during his Aviation training of 43-C, 308th ARMY AIR FORCES FLYING TRAINING DETACHMENT. Grandma and Grandpa Skiathitis were fortunate that their son (both sons) returned from service, whereas so many families never saw loved ones again.
If given the chance, please stop by and view a private Memorial displayed at Temple Food Mart depicting a small sample of Arthur Sr.s' military memorabilia. Among many items to see, are his marching gloves and hat and his burial flag presented at his funeral to his loving wife, Julienne.
Of note to view, a book written in 1963, "BEHIND THE BURMA ROAD," and tells "The heroic, bloody, true story of the tiny OSS Guerilla force that out-fought the Japanese army..." The book talks about the "fierce excitement of 'The Bridge Over The River Kwai.'" This was Arthur Sr.s campaign.
Also of note to view, an American Legion Resolution presented after Arthur Sr.s death, and partially reads as follows; "...WHILE EVER CHERISHING IN OUR HEARTS THE MEMORY OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY..."
This is Temple Food Mart's 9th Memorial Day since re-opening in 2017, in reverence to all of the fallen soldiers. Earlier this year, Temple Food Mart celebrated 87 years since the store originally opened in 1938. Please help make this an even better 88th year at the store. Please Instagram and Follow & Share on Facebook at Temple Food Mart.