In early 2001, the Little Italy Association embarked on an ambitious proposal to pay tribute to the "boys that never came home" from all of the wars of the 20th century.

Then came the catastrophic events of September 11th bringing the country to a level of national unity not seen since the months after Pearl Harbor in 1941. Just as San Diego mobilized around the war effort in 1941-42 by gearing up for massive industrial production, we gear up in a different way in 2001-2002. This time, we are the largest Naval base on the west coast and again we watch as thousands of our loved ones depart San Diego Bay to fight a far away, yet in many ways, a far more dangerous enemy. It is therefore timely that we have demonstrated our appreciation of this city's relationship with the Navy and Marines by embarking upon this historic tribute to a great man-Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone.

The Little Italy Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has for years led in the revitalization efforts in Little Italy. Such a tribute was clearly fitting-not only for those boys that never came home to Little Italy, but also for those Little Italy citizens that served their nation and did come home. We knew that such a tribute was fitting and also knew that combining elements of our Italian heritage was our unique way of expressing our thanks. Therefore, we took the name of a great Italian American solder, John Basilone, winner of the Navy Cross and Congressional Medal of Honor, and combined it in a public setting of a Piazza and fountain.

Our research among members of the community yielded the names of twelve young men who were residents of Little Italy and served during World War II and Korea. The names of those young men will be placed in a plaque on the side of the pedestal and bust of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. Those young soldiers who never returned to Little Italy included: Charles Piro, Anthony Ballatore, Jack Balisteri, Vito Busalacchi, Joe Cordileone, Jesus Chuey Contreras, Salvatore Corona, Peter Quinci, Frank Birrittieri, Roy Gonzales, Frank Pecoraro and Paul Garcia.

The proposed Piazza Basilone is located at the southeast corner of Fir and India and will transform half of Fir Street into the Piazza. The Piazza is strategically located at the bottom of Fir Street allowing the street to be closed off for special events. The location offers a view of the old cottages on Fir Street as well as the San Diego Bay. A Piazza Basilone Task Force has been created and has raised, thus far, over $80,000 in public and private contributions. We estimate that it may take up to $350,000 to fully complete the Piazza. We hope to raise the funds by the Spring of 2002 and dedicate the Piazza on Veteran's Day, 2002.

The U.S. Marine Corp has thrown its full weight and support behind this project with Major General Jan Huley of the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot taking the lead on their behalf.

Individuals, families and corporations will be asked to match the public grants we have received thus far for the Piazza. We have received grants of $25,000 each from Supervisors Roberts and Cox and are using $30,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds given to the Little Italy Association from Councilman Byron Wear. We hope to raise around $40,000 - $50,000 in individual contributions and $200,000 in corporate and business contributions.

Please see attached the various ways in which your business can contribute to the Piazza. We feel that your company's contribution will not only create the first neighborhood memorial to veterans in San Diego County, but will also demonstrate your company's commitment to the development of quality lifestyle in Little Italy and Downtown San Diego.

Please find attached a "Piazza Basilone Memorial Contributor's Application." In addition, you will find various articles related to the Piazza, a conceptual drawing of the Piazza, as well as articles on Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. All contributions to the Piazza are tax deductible due to the Little Italy Association's 501(c)(3), public benefit corporation status. Please read the specific details on how you can participate in this honorable tribute to the "boys who never came home" from World War II.

This Piazza Basilone is a great project, dedicated to great soldiers, in a great community. We have already received commitments of $15,000 in corporate donations after less than two weeks of solicitation. Let us build this Piazza in the memory of those who fought and never came home. Let us enjoy this Piazza on behalf of those who did fight and were privileged to return home to our Little Italy.

Sincerely,
Lou Palestini, Chair
Piazza Basilone Task Force

Marco Li Mandri
President

Steve Galasso
Chairman of the Board

Sponsorship Option B: Piazza Components Contributions List for Corporations and Businesses Piazza Basilone Memorial, Little Italy San Diego Our strategy in raising private contributions to complete the Piazza is based upon individual, family and corporate/business contributions. Commemorative granite plaques surrounding the statue of Gunnery Sergeant Basilone, as well as various components and features of the Piazza will be sponsored by major contributors. The components of the Piazza are listed on the conceptual plan. The dedication of these components to various contributors will be done on a first come, first serve basis based upon receipt of the contributions. Minimum contributions of $5,000 from businesses and corporations will be accepted. For a $5,000 contribution, you will receive the following: One flag dedication plaque on the Corridor of Honor (north side of Fir Street) One flower bed dedication plaque One bench dedication plaque For a $12,500 contribution, you will receive the following: Dedication plaques for all three flags (Italian, Portuguese and Mexican) on the Corridor of Honor For a $15,000 contribution, you will receive the following: Dedication plaques for all four flower beds For a $25,000 contribution, you will receive the following: Sponsorship of the entire Piazza fountain

Please make contribution checks to "The Little Italy Association Piazza Basilone Fund".
Checks may be mailed to:
The Little Italy Association
1830 Columbia Street
San Diego, CA 92101.

Call (619) 233-3898 for more information.

Design by
Marty Schmidt
Environs

Let us not forget the children that were left as war orphans. If you're the son, daughter or family of an American who was killed in World War II, or if you simply feel as we do that these men and women must be remembered and honored, please visit www.AWON.org.

For any other questions regarding AWON, please contact Sharon at hjfinsd@cox.net.