Dozens gathered around the American flag in front of the Capital Manor retirement community on Wednesday during a monument and plaque dedication ceremony that honored local first responders and veterans. The guests of honor were three Capital Manor residents and centenarian veterans who served during World War II — Gene Derfler, Bill Illi, and George Genevro. Genevro, 101-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran and retired college professor, said he remembers training on bases in the Southwest as a flight engineer during World War II. He also remembers when the U.S. government, under operation code name “Trinity,” exploded the first nuclear bomb in July 1945 in the hills hundreds of miles south of Los Alamos, New Mexico. It was toward the tail end of the war, and the first atomic bomb explosion looms large in Genevro’s mind as a major turning point in history.  “The A-bomb was finally exploded. Then of course they knew that the whole game had changed … and since it would be usable, the Japanese knew about it, and that changed the whole deal,” Genevro said. “It was an interesting and mixed up time being in the military service. We didn’t know what would happen next with us or where we would go and so on.” After the explosion, Genevro was transferred to Illinois where he would remain for the rest of the war.  After the war, Genevro got his doctorate and became a college professor in southern California, where he eventually retired before moving to Salem with his wife. Living past 100 years old comes with a lifetime experience and wisdom. Genevro had a quick word of advice for the younger generations.  “Hang in there,” Genevro said. “And take advantage of whatever opportunities crop up. I think I did that to a certain extent and it turned out reasonably well.”  Capital Manor is a not-for-profit retirement community in West Salem at 1955 Salem Dallas Highway N.W. The retirement community has operated for more than 60 years and is one of the largest in Salem. The monument and plaque dedication on Wednesday took place outside at the retirement community’s memorial plaza to the southeast of the community along Norwest Manorview Lane.  “Capital Manor is honored to have many veterans and retired public Ssrvants who call our community home. We have installed a new plaque by our flag to show our utmost respect to those who serve our community and country,” said David Lewis, Capital Manor executive director, in a statement. A monumental plaque was dedicated to Salem first responders and veterans on Wednesday during a ceremony at Capital Manor in West Salem. (Joe Siess/Salem Reporter) The ceremony included a demonstration from members of the North Salem High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who presented the American flag.  During the Wednesday morning ceremony a number of Capital Manor officials and local leaders spoke to the crowd including Salem Mayor Chris Hoy, Salem City Councilor Micki Varney, Rep. Paul Evans, Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack, Polk County Sheriff Mark Garton, Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter, and Salem’s new fire Chief David Gerboth.  Gerboth, who assumed his post as the city’s new fire chief last month, said there are 14 Salem firefighters who are either veterans or who are in the reserves. He said he wanted to honor them and others like them who serve.  “Starting with the veterans. The sacrifice, the bravery and commitment that they have made, is a model for first responders,” Gerboth said. “Their selfless sacrifice is really something for us to look up to, and we are certainly deeply honored and privileged to serve the community the way we do.” Gerboth said he was fortunate to be able to spend time speaking with the three centenarians during a luncheon following the ceremony. He said the conversations gave him perspective.  “It was incredibly humbling. As I was talking to them, I reflected back on the time and the era that they were in, and the difference in technology and the difference in creature comforts and how much more difficult of a time they were in,” Gerboth said. “It is hard to comprehend.” Hoy said he was also moved by the ceremony honoring veterans and the city’s first responders.  “I really valued and cherished the time I had afterwards speaking with individuals about their experiences and I got to hear some great stories about people’s time in service. It was a wonderful event,” Hoy said. “In this time, when so many of our governmental institutions are being questioned and undermined, and torn down, anything that we can do to stop that, and push back on that is really important. I think what they did with that monument and creating that space is a really good way to do that.”  Contact reporter Joe Siess: [email protected] or 503-335-7790.A MOMENT MORE, PLEASE – If you found this story useful, consider subscribing to Salem Reporter if you don’t already. Work such as this, done by local professionals, depends on community support from subscribers. Please take a moment and sign up now – easy and secure: SUBSCRIBE. The post First responders, veterans honored at Capital Manor retirement community appeared first on Salem Reporter.