43
Veterans honor the Lariccias for gifts
Anthony Lariccia said the memorial symbolizes the sacrifice of veterans.
CANFIELD — Anthony Lariccia’s World War II heroes are Medal of Honor recipients John Basilone and Audie Murphy.
“Every time I have a down day, I think of them and their sacrifices, and it lifts me up,” said the Boardman philanthropist, who was honored Thursday by the Mahoning County Veterans Memorial.
Basilone, an Italian-American, received the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military’s highest honor for valor, for heroism on Guadalcanal. The Marine Corps gunnery sergeant was later killed during the invasion of Iwo Jima and received the Navy Cross posthumously.
Murphy was one of the most decorated U.S. combat soldiers of WW II, receiving the Medal of Honor, along with 32 additional U.S. medals, five from France and one from Belgium.
After the war, the Army veteran had a successful film career, including starring in “To Hell and Back,” a movie about his exploits in WWII.
Lariccia was presented a plaque in recognition of his “generosity and dedication to the community,” personified by a $45,000 gift last year that financed the renovation of the 200-year-old log cabin at the monument, located on the Canfield Fairgrounds.
“The monument honors all veterans. We couldn’t have done the restoration work without him,” Harry Dampf, vice president of the monument, said of Lariccia.
Lariccia also received a picture of the monument painted on a piece of slate by Thelma Waterson, a friend of the monument, and will receive a flag flown over the Capitol on Thursday through the auspices of U.S. Rep Charlie Wilson, (D-6th), of St. Clairsville.
Also recognized for their service to the Mahoning County Veterans Memorial were J. P. Brown, memorial co-founder and immediate past national commander of AMVETS; L&M Greenhouse of Columbiana, and Master Gardeners, said Dampf.
“This monument is a great symbol of the men and women who have served this country in the military. We as a nation are indebted forever to the members of the armed forces. Without them we wouldn’t have freedom, which is such a precious thing,” Lariccia said.
Of his own success, Lariccia said: “ I never would have had a chance in another country. To give back to this country is the least we can do.”
alcorn@vindy.com