Italian-Americans have a proud history of military service. In World War I, about 12% of the US Army was composed of Italian immigrants as well as their American-born counterparts, in World War II, more than 500,000 Italian-Americans were in the service. Italian-Americans have also fought in the Korean War, in Vietnam, in Desert Storm, in Afghanistan, Iraq and wherever and whenever America defended the cause of freedom and justice. Those Italian-Americans who exhibited extraordinary courage and heroism were awarded the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor exhibit not only honors those heroes who were killed in action, but all Italian-American men and women who served and are still serving their country with honor and distinction.

            The Medal of Honor exhibit was researched and developed by the CSJ (Commission for Social Justice).  It was the brainchild of the late John Debbene, Past President of the NYS CSJ, CSJ National President Emeritus and Past Director of the Order Sons of Italy’s Garibaldi-Meucci Museum on Staten Island.  The Medal of Honor Project took about two years to complete.  The primary source of much of the research was the Library of Congress.

            One of the most difficult aspects of the research was the reproduction of the photographs of the Medal of Honor recipients (did not exist, were lost, poor quality, were not military representations).  Therefore, it was decided that an artist sketch of the recipients in lieu of a photo would lend consistency to the exhibit.

            The Medal of Honor display has been shown in numerous venues including libraries, universities, court houses, VA hospitals, and the NYS Capitol Building in Albany.  It has also been exhibited by Grand Lodges of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in other parts of the country.

            The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for bravery that can be given to any individual in the USA.  Recipients of the Medal of Honor wore the uniforms of all branches of the service, came from every state, and were of various races, religions and ethnic origins; some were poor and others were rich.  But all of them had the common characteristic of courage, and all risked, or sacrificed life itself for their country.

            As Americans of Italian descent, we are indeed proud of the Medal of Honor recipients displayed here today.  If you have not already done so, please take the time to read the citations of these recipients who have demonstrated remarkable heroism.  As American citizens we remember and honor all Medal of Honor Recipients who fought to turn the tide of battle and inspired our forces to victory in specific combat situations.  And, of course, we can never forget the courage, fortitude, and obedience to duty displayed by all the men and women in the armed forces who fought and still fight bravely to protect our freedom and common values.  And as Memorial Day approaches, their service and sacrifice becomes even more vivid in our consciousness and in our hearts as we remember them.

            We pause at this time to recognize our POWs and MIAs, who are unable to be with their loved ones and families.  Several of our veterans have volunteered to assist with this tribute as we join together and bear witness to their continued absence.

The TABLE is small and set for one, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.
The TABLECLOTH is white, symbolic of the purity of their intention to respond to their country’s call to arms.
The SALT upon the bread plate is symbolic of the families’ tears as they wait.
The SINGLE ROSE signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved country.
The RED RIBBON tied around the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn by thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing.
A SLICE of LEMON on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.
The CANDLE, which is lit, symbolizes the light of hope in our hearts that they may return to a grateful nation.
The INVERTED GLASS and EMPTY CHAIR are symbolic of their absence; they cannot toast with us, they are not here.
The BIBLE represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under GOD.
Remember all those who served; remember the POWs and MIAs until they return home.

             The program ends with the Pledge of Allegiance.