Italian Blessing

by Kate Salute

It's been more than a year since plans to erect a memorial dedicated to the Italian immigrants who helped build Philadelphia were unveiled [Cityspace, "Memoriale Bello," Amy L. Webb, Feb. 12, 2004]. Though there's since been scant consensus on what the tribute will look like and where it will go, the project seems to be gaining traction.

"We are supporting the project, despite popular belief, but there is still a long way to go," says Brian Abernathy, legislative assistant for 1st District Councilman Frank DiCicco, noting that there are plans to hold a community meeting on the subject soon.

DiCicco's support comes as welcome news to Vern Anastasio, the founder of the Italian Memorial Foundation, who got tossed off the ballot on a technicality when opposing the councilman in the 2003 primaries.

"You can't build these kinds of things without the support of a councilman, it just doesn't happen," says Anastasio. To date, they've raised $75,000 of the roughly $1 million needed to complete the project.

With the backing of the Bella Vista United Civic Association and the Italian Market Merchants Association, the foundation targeted an abandoned pool in the 800 block of Montrose Street as their ideal location. Anastasio says the fact that the property was once an Italian bathhouse made it fitting, "but it's about compromise and getting behind the project, so various sites for the memorial are being looked at."

A model of a potential memorial crafted by Viking Sculpture and Design studio depicts clergy, merchants, mothers, doctors and architects among other professional Italians, with ships on the horizon to signify immigration and movement. In the background, there are famous landmarks around the world that Italians have contributed to. The specific design, however, is contingent upon the final location.

"I was always told never forget were you came from — it's sort of my mantra," says Anastasio, who got the idea for the Italian memorial during a visit to the National Irish Memorial at Front and Chestnut streets. "I was so moved and touched and thought how great it would be to bring this sort of feeling to the Italian community, this sense of ancestry. I hope it will be as glorious as the Irish memorial."

Should the design become reality, Anastasio expects it to appeal to many people, not just Italian-Americans.

"It's memorializing immigration and movement and beauty," he says. "If you believe in beauty and art, you will like it."