September 11, 2001 is a day ingrained in the hearts of people throughout the world. For one special man, an Italian immigrant from Naples, remembering the heroes who took their last breath on that tragic day has become a humanitarian endeavor; his civic duty.
Cav. Giulio Piccoli, has selflessly devoted his life to pay homage to the Italian and Italian American victims who tragically lost their lives on 9/11. His initiative to document the victims of the Twin Towers and passengers aboard flights 175, 11, 77 and 93 began immediately after the attacks in 2001. His extensive research is curated in a book said to be completed by 2026 entitled, “9/11 NEVER Forget, Noi, non dimenticheremo mai.”
This year marks the 23rd Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Gina Lia, continuing the great legacy of Cav. Piccoli, as current President of the Italian Association “Ieri, Oggi, Domani”, invites us to the annual ceremony held at the Italian Consulate in New York.
The Consul General, Fabrizio Di Michele, graciously welcomes us the afternoon of September 11, 2024, at the wreath laying ceremony with prayers led by Don Luigi Portarulo of Saint Patricks Cathedral. Located at the entrance of the consulate on the ground floor, all gather to pay their respects by the sculpture which pays tribute to the fallen victims. The Former President of the Chamber of Deputies at the Italian Parliament, Hon. Pier Ferdinando Cassini, commissioned the Italian Sculptor, Antonio Manfredi, to create this relief style piece of art in 2001. At an event in 2007, the white marble sculpture depicting the Twin Towers was inaugurated at its new home on Park Ave.
The event continued on as all made their way up the spiral staircase to the second floor for the sacred reading of the names presentation. Notable guests included; Hon. Christian DiSanzo, Dott. Silvana Mangione, Prof. Fabio Finotti, and the Board Members of the Italian Heritage & Culture Committee of New York. The Mayor of New York City, Mayor Eric Adams, an avid supporter of the Italian community, was represented at the event by Edward Mermelstein, New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs.
In conversation with Cav. Piccoli, it’s understood the loved ones he lost have been the inspiration behind his passion project. As he gifts me a copy of his precious book; he shows me the highlighted names in yellow, pointing to one person in particular. At this time, I ask that all readers pause for a moment of silence to remember the life of Luigi Calvi, born in Naples, Italy.
Founder of the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island, Lou Bernardi, spoke to us at the close of the event declaring, “the reading of the names is a small way for us to pay respect to those that lost their life. And we will never forget, and we will never stop fighting for justice of what happened 23 years ago.” Cav Giulio is a symbol of the words echoed by Mr. Bernardi and New York’s promise to “Never forget, Noi, non dementchierchiamo mai.”
Photo courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office