“As a younger boy, I received to know who Father Capodanno was as a result of they modified this identify from Seaside Boulevard to Father Capodanno Boulevard, you bought to know who this hero was all about,” mentioned Borough President Fossella.
Borough President Fossella grew to become pals with Jim Capodanno, the brother of Father Capodanno.
“Jim, like so many others right here, saved Father Capodanno’s legacy alive, and so they remind us each second what it actually means to sacrifice for freedom.”
Father Capodanno, an Elm Park native and graduate of Curtis Excessive Faculty, was often called the “grunt padre” to the third Battalion, fifth Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was protected within the fight operations heart when he heard stories that elements of the corporate have been outnumbered by the North Vietnamese Military throughout a battle dubbed Operation Swift. Once they requested for reinforcements, Father Capodanno requested to go. His Marines wanted him.
Throughout Operation Swift, Father Capodanno refused to hunt cowl even after he was shot. As a substitute, when he noticed a younger Marine mendacity mortally wounded in an open subject, he prayed the “Our Father” with him till he fell by the corpsman’s aspect, 27 wounds to his again, his neck, his head. It was Labor Day, Sept. 4, 1967. He was 38-years-old.
The statue was made doable by way of the dedication of Anthony (Tony) Leto, whose years of tireless efforts helped convey this tribute to life, guaranteeing Father Capodanno’s braveness, religion, and sacrifice are completely honored.
It’s a becoming tribute to the Medal of Honor recipient and Navy chaplain whose legacy continues to encourage generations.
