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Survivor of USS Indianapolis speaks at Veterans Day event in Florence

Posted 11/8/21

Of the 1,196 crewmembers aboard the USS Indianapolis when it was sunk by the Japanese in 1945, only 316 survived. One of those survivors is Florence resident Adolfo “Harpo” …

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Neighbors

Survivor of USS Indianapolis speaks at Veterans Day event in Florence

Posted

Of the 1,196 crewmembers aboard the USS Indianapolis when it was sunk by the Japanese in 1945, only 316 survived. One of those survivors is Florence resident Adolfo “Harpo” Celaya.

Celaya is now one of the last living survivors of that naval tragedy, and he will be telling his story this Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at McFarland Historic State Park at 24 Ruggles St. The event is free to the public.

“Surviving a Nightmare” tells the tale of Celaya’s World War II experiences, including his survival in shark-infested waters after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in July 1945.

The event will feature a one- to one-and-a-half-hour video presentation followed by a Q&A with Celaya.

The special presentation is part of “Ernest Talks,” the new speaker series at McFarland Historic State Park. The series covers a  variety of subjects relevant to Florence and surrounding Pinal County. McFarland Historic State Park is named after Florence resident and former Arizona Gov. Ernest McFarland.

Coffee, water and light snacks will be served. While admission is free, donations are appreciated.  For more information or to RSVP, call 520-868-4496 or email florencechamber@gmail.com.