When Anthony Palazzolo’s father came to the United States from Italy in the first quarter of the 20th century, he had $2 in his pocket. The elder Palazzolo sought the help of relatives who had preceded him here, went to night school to learn English, and eventually earned enough to buy his own house in Dyker Heights.

“My parents loved America,” said Anthony, the other morning as he was being honored during the Knights of Columbus’ Fourth of July Parade in Brooklyn (see centerfold of photos). How fitting it was that the son of immigrants would serve as Grand Marshal of a parade to honor America.

As he wiped away a tear or two, Anthony addressed the crowd gathered in John Paul Jones Park in Bay Ridge on the glories of America and what this country has meant to his entire family.

Anthony also was a logical choice because of his contribution to the Knights over the years. During his 23-year career in the insurance business, he worked for the NYS Insurance Department Liquidation Bureau, where he was a supervisor and manager. He also served as a field agent for the Knights of Columbus’ insurance.

A member of Archbishop John Hughes Council on 86th St. in Dyker Heights, he has been a Squire Counselor, Grand Knight, District Deputy, and Treasurer of the Long Island Board of District Deputies. He also has served as Kings County Youth Coordinator, L.I. Chapter Youth/Squires chairman, and NYS Family Life chairman.

Anthony Palazzolo

In 1996, he was elected Faithful Pilot of the L.I. Assembly Fourth Degree and from 1998 to 1999, he served as Faithful Navigator. For many years, he also has worked on the Independence Day Parade, which this year he led, carrying a handheld American flag all along the way.

From the speaker’s rostrum, Anthony gave proper credit to his wife Diane, whom he met through Knights of Columbus functions. Anthony has been joined by Diane each year at the Pro-Life Mass sponsored by the State Council and the two have been mainstays among the K. of C. delegation to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Call him faithful, dedicated, and consistent, and you have a good idea of who Anthony Palazzolo is. It shouldn’t come as any surprise that he still resides in Dyker Heights in that very same house his father purchased all those years ago.

Pro Patria Recipient

Also honored at the Independence Day Parade was Father John Brogan, the diocesan director of the Propagation of the Faith. He was a logical choice to receive the Knights’ Pro Patria Award.

Former leader of the Diocesan Hispanic Apostolate, former pastor, and a former member of numerous diocesan boards and committees, he also has found time to serve as chaplain of the Long Island Council of the K. of C. since 1987. Last year, he was selected as Faithful Friar of the L.I. Assembly Fourth Degree.

In an eloquent address at parade’s end, Father Brogan urged the Knights to continue to be faithful to both God and country. He asked for the Knights to remain vigilant in causes in contemporary society that threaten a culture of life.

Chairman’s Remarks

For Michael Petolino, parade chairman, it was left to deliver a patriotic address on the virtues of the Declaration of Independence. Despite the separation of church and state, Petolino pointed out that God is mentioned four times in the Declaration. He stressed that any proper understanding of the fundamental principles of America include a belief in and love for the Creator.

“As we gather here today to celebrate our independence and freedoms, let us remember all our young men and women serving in the armed forces,” added Petolino.

Since the ceremonies were taking place in a park adjacent to the U.S. Army’s Fort Hamilton, it was a fitting reminder that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans aren’t free. They come with a price. A price that has been paid dearly by some. A price that isn’t forgotten by those like the patriotic members of the Knights of Columbus.