A Project of Love and Honor

As we all should know by now, the last Monday in the month is when our nation pauses to pay its respects to our nation’s military men and women for making their ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberties. We sometimes lose sight of the fact that the holiday isn’t about celebrations, barbeques, a day at the beach, or selling cars. It is about sacrifice!

Memorial Day was established to honor the men and women who have died in any conflict. Approximately 1.3 million American service members have died in combat and non-combat roles since the American Revolution.

Now, if you’ll allow me, here’s a local story of remembrance.

In 2007, two young twin brothers from Marco Island, Joseph and Vincent Giannone, embarked on a mission to create a fitting memorial to honor their grandfather, great-grandfather, and all American Veterans.

Their great-grandfather, Joseph Giannone, served in World War I. Continuing the family tradition of military service, their grandfather, Vincent Giannone, fought in World War II. Inspired by the dedication and sacrifices of their ancestors, the brothers looked to design a memorial. They received unwavering support and guidance from their father Joe Giannone, and grandfather, Vincent. Also assisting the boys was Marco resident and Marine Corps veteran Salvatore “Sal” Sciarrino, a proud member of the VFW Post 6370, along with other members of Post 6370, which sadly was disbanded in a consolidation of VFW Posts by the State Commander.

Their mission involved designing and raising funds to place the memorial in the Marco Island Cemetery, a resting place for over two hundred veterans. Prior to the construction of Veterans Community Park, the cemetery served for many years as the site of Memorial Day and Veterans Day services.

By Veterans Day in 2007, the memorial was dedicated with the assistance of a generous community, the guidance of family and friends, all born from the dream of two ambitious young men who wanted to honor all those who have served in uniform. Both boys received their Eagle Scout designation due to their successful completion of the Veterans Memorial Project. They graduated from Lely High School and went on to college, both graduating with engineering degrees. Now, they are married with families of their own. Vincent has twin sons, is a computer engineer and owns a coffee shop in Naples. Joseph has a son and is a production engineer with Arthrex.

The community continues to honor its veterans. Richard Heinrich, a member of the New Life Community Church, will gather together other volunteers to place American Flags on the veterans’ graves. The New Life Community Church oversees the cemetery under the watchful eye of Senior Pastor Thomas McCulley.

On Monday, May 25, the local American Legion Post 404 will host the Memorial Day event at Veterans Community Park, just around the corner from the Veterans Memorial that had formerly been the site of that event. If you have time pass, go through the cemetery and view the memorial and all the wonderful flags waving back at you from the meandering roadway through this sometimes-forgotten peaceful site.