By David Tyler
The Fayetteville Post Office, located at 599 East Genesee Street, will soon be the ‘Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility,’ honoring the local World War II veteran who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1941, the day following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to honor Bacel that had been introduced by Congressman John Katko.
“The day after the attack on the naval fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, without pause, George H. Bacel volunteered to serve in World War II with the U.S. Marine Corps,” Katko said. “When he returned home to Central New York, he opened his own small business, supported fellow veterans by establishing the American Legion in Manlius, and proudly served his community as an employee at the Fayetteville Post Office.”
“Today, I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for unanimously passing this bill which will serve as a lasting memorial of Corporal Bacel’s life and legacy,” Katko continued. “I urge my friends in the Senate to expeditiously pass this measure.”
“The family of George Bacel would like to thank Congressman John Katko for his work to introduce and pass this bill honoring the life and service our late father,” said Judy Schuth, Bacel’s oldest daughter. “Our father loved his family, our country, and all those who served alongside him. This dedication is a touching tribute to his legacy.”
Corporal George H. Bacel served as a United States Marine during World War II, and passed away on March 3, 2010 at the age of 89. He was a husband, father, and active and valuable member of the Fayetteville and Manlius community.
A graduate of Fayetteville High School, Bacel served in the Pacific Theatre, participating in battles in New Guinea, Guadalcanal, and Cape Gloucester, and was discharged with the Good Conduct Medal in 1945.
Following his return to Central New York, he owned and operated Fayetteville Hairstylists for 30 years, started the local American Legion in Manlius, and worked for a number of years at the Fayetteville Post Office.
“Our Father, George Bacel, always did what he believed to be the ‘Right Thing’ – never looking for recognition,” Schuth said last year when the bill was introduced. “This honor only affirms the pride we hold in our hearts. He was one of the thousand young men who stood in long lines to enlist the day after Pearl Harbor and was sent off to war with the high school band playing and flags waving. His love of country held on throughout his life. In the flag that flew outside his home, and his dedication to honoring, helping and supporting our vets. He knew what PTSD was before it had a name and he felt a kinship to all warriors ‘who had been there,’ as he said. He never wanted us to serve, but he instilled in us a pride and a love for our country.”
