The Pritzker Military Museum & Library is pulling up stakes after nearly 20 years at its location in downtown Chicago. The museum will close its doors on July 27 and merge its collections with the Pritzker Military Archives Center in Somers, Wisconsin. “Merging PMML and PMAC will carry our mission into the 21st century by safeguarding historical artifacts and book […]
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A First Lieutenant in the Army, Mike Gasparro went from training soldiers at Fort Lewis, Washington, to leading them on aerial assaults from Firebase Bastogne in South Vietnam. The oldest of two sons, Mike Gasparro was born in Chicago to Michael and Theresa Fonzino Gasparro. His paternal grandparents emigrated from Senerchia in 1917, and his maternal grandparents also came from […]
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One consequence of today’s technology is the disappearance of traditional print photographs and photo albums. This is especially true when it comes to commemorating one’s military service. From the dawn of photography, cameras have accompanied soldiers wherever their paths led, whether they’re palling around during boot camp or grappling with the horrors of the battlefield. Dating back to Mathew Brady […]
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The International Press Club of Chicago hosted an eye-opening presentation by Italian Consul General Thomas Botzios on July 29 at the museum. The Consul General was introduced by IPCC President Wayne Toberman. Overseeing an 11-state jurisdiction, Botzios spoke proudly of the enormous positive economic impact Italy is having on America, with more than 100 Italian companies boasting presences in his […]
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Every year, local papers carry sad post-Fourth of July stories about folks injuring themselves with fireworks, despite the pervasive warnings and instructions that circulate in the days and weeks before. Far less common but far more devastating are the occasional tragedies that occur when vintage explosive ordnance is mishandled. A few years ago, a California school teacher found a 40MM […]
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Officially chartered on Dec. 3, 1952, the Filippo Mazzei Post 1 of the Italian American War Veterans emerged as a thriving and influential Midwest outpost for the venerable national organization, which was formed two decades earlier. Evidence of that vitality can be found in the 1967-68 directory recently donated by Jim Pulia. Jim’s dad, Edward, was among the 320-plus members […]
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