ONIAC honors veterans with new
memorial
By Marie Balice Ward
Numerous local residents of Italian and other ethnic heritages gathered on Memorial Day at the Old Neighborhood Italian American Club (ONIAC) building at 3031 S. Shields Ave. to see the club unveil a memorial for community members who served in the armed forces.
Donald "Captain D" DiFazio of ONIAC noted, “During every military
conflict in American history, Italian Americans have been in the front
line of combat defending our nation and defeating the enemies of peace
and freedom. In World War II we represented the largest ethnic group in
the armed forces. From William Paca, Revolutionary War figure and signer
of the Declaration of Independence, to Sgt. John Basilone, World War II
marine hero and Medal of Honor recipient, Italian Americans have always
been prepared to offer the last full measure of devotion to a grateful
nation."Dominic DiFrisco, an ONIAC member who served with the U.S. Army 8th infantry division, was master of ceremonies at the unveiling event. He said, “At the core of our lives as Italian Americans is the faith of our fathers” as he introduced the Rev. Nick Marro of Santa Lucia Church and the Rev. Joe Grbes of St. Jerome Church.
The two priests offered invocations and blessed the monument with holy water. DiFrisco noted this event was all-inclusive for veterans and neighbors regardless of race or ethnicity. "The monument we dedicate today will always speak of our eternal gratitude,” he said.
DiFrisco also welcomed Lenard Clark to the event, who in 1997 at the age of 13 was beaten severely in Armour Square Park in a hate crime that garnered national attention. Said DiFrisco, "The bonds of friendships have been restored" in welcoming Clark back to Bridgeport.
Alderman James Balcer of the 11th Ward, a Bronze Star recipient and Vietnam War veteran, also spoke. “Our city has a great tradition of honoring veterans with monuments,” Balcer said. “We need to support our troops regardless of our position on the Iraq war.”
Donald Mazzoni, ONIAC member and retired major in the U.S. Marine Corps,
recited the pledge of allegiance, and local resident Sean Harris sang
the national anthem and God Bless America, with the audience joining in.State Representative Edward Acevedo stated, “This is a great tribute to the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price.”
Joseph Cistaro, an ONIAC member and Bronze Star honoree who served one year in Afghanistan, also spoke. “I ask a personal favor: that we keep in our hearts those who have died and in our prayers those who are now serving,” Cistaro said.
DiFrisco then acknowledged Peter Scalise of ONIAC and others for their hard work in coordinating the event. Afterward, Anthony Onesto, ONIAC’s first president, spoke. As he remarked, “Our group is based on ancestry—friends and neighbors who seek social justice. We are first and foremost Americans. Our freedom to choose is due, in great part, by those who have and those who presently serve.”
After a long introduction, former Los Angeles Dodgers manager and Baseball Hall of Famer Tommy LaSorda joined DiFrisco at the podium and quipped, “I felt like I was dead after that introduction.” After several more humorous comments and much laughter from the crowd, LaSorda turned serious in encouraging respect for the flag.
LaSorda, Cistaro, and Jerry Costentino then placed a wreath on the monument.
The monument’s plaque reads, "The Old Neighborhood Italian American Club. Dedicated to men and women of the Armed Forces past, present, and future. This land will remain free only as long as it is the home of the brave. In war, resolution; in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity; in peace, good will. Gold Star families always remembered."
The event concluded with a luncheon sponsored by ONIAC.
ONIAC was founded in 1981 and is a not-for-profit organization. The ONIAC Foundation was founded in 1996 and also is a not-for-profit organization. Both are dedicated to helping youth and increasing the community’s well being.
