World War II statue rededicated in Mercer County

Veterans of World War II gather near the statue, recently restored and rededicated by the Mercer County (N.J.) Italian American Festival Association.

The Mercer County (N.J.) Italian American Festival Association marked a milestone recently with the unveiling of a statue depicting a World War II soldier coming to the aid of a fallen brother-in-arms.

The statue was sculpted by Jerald Christofaro in the 1940s, restored by the festival association and unveiled following a festival Mass dedicated to World War II veterans.

The Mercer County Italian American Festival, named one of New Jersey’s top fall festivals by CBS New York, was celebrated Sept. 23-24-25 in Mercer County Park, West Windsor, N.J.

These Mercer County Italian American World War II soldiers were honored at the event: Anthony Capriotti, Frank Cuili, Ray E. Dooling, Quinton C. Erkoboni, Patrick L. Galati, Walter P. Kramarz, Anthony W. Melchiondo, Frank J. Parese, James W. Smith, William E Smith, Frank J. Uvegas and George S. Vitoritt.

The statue was unveiled at the festival, and a permanent location for its display will be chosen.