MAYOR GIULIANI SIGNS BILL THAT NAMES TRAFFIC
CIRCLE AFTER WORLD WAR II HEROES
GENTILE CESPINO AND JOSEPH RUSSO

-Remarks By Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani At Public Hearing On Local Laws-

The first bill before me today is Introductory Number 478, sponsored by Council Members Fiala, Golden, Stabile and Ognibene. This legislation would add the name "Cespino-Russo Memorial Circle" at the intersection of Sand Lane and Father Capodanno Boulevard, in Staten Island.

This location is presently the site of a monument and plaque honoring servicemen Gentile Cespino and Joseph Russo, both of whom lost their lives during World War II.

At age 20, Gentile Cespino was called to serve his country in World War II and became a radar operator. Unfortunately, his military career was cut short when his aircraft crashed on a test flight and Gentile Cespino was killed.

Joseph Russo was drafted into the U.S. military in July 1943, and was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. He was then shipped to Italy where he took part in the Battle of Anzio. After the battle of Anzio he took part in the invasion of Southern France and was killed in Nice, France.

Therefore, in memory of these two men who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, it is fitting that the intersection of Sand Lane and Father Capodanno Boulevard be named "Cespino-Russo Memorial Circle."

For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.

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