Because many of us who write for Big Hollywood spend the majority of our time pointing out the hypocrisy and liberal bias of leftists in Hollywood, it is oh-so-pleasant to be able to write a post which draws attention to a fantastic cause that many in Hollywood will soon undertake. The cause is honoring our troops while simultaneously raising money for children in need. The charity behind the cause is The San Gennaro Foundation, and the name of the event they’re hosting is “The 9th Annual Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro.” (The event begins September 23rd with a fundraising gala, and continues through the 26th.)
This year’s event, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and comedian Adam Carolla, with Mark DeCario as Master of Ceremonies, is structured around honoring the service of Italian-Americans who served during World War II. There will be appearances by special guests like Connie Stevens and Robert Davi, as well as performances by the Peter Jacobs Wartime Radio Review. Moreover, the entire event will be broadcast as a live USO show for our Military personnel overseas. (Way to go, USO!!!)
While typing this post, I was able to catch up with Robert Davi and get his take on the Feast of San Gennaro and his ties to the Italian-American experience in World War II:
AWR: What is it about being involved in The San Gennaro Foundation’s “Feast of LA” that means so much to you?
Robert Davi: As a small boy, my Grandfather on my mother’s side would take me to the San Gennaro Festival in New York. My mother’s side of the family is Napolitan, and since the Feast of San Gennaro originally comes from Naples, this was a big deal. It was absolutely magical!
There were people of all nationalities, booths with Italian foods, and a festive atmosphere. These are some of my fondest memories.
Moreover, two years ago I was the Grand Marshall of the Feast in Little Italy. For the Feast to have taken hold in Los Angeles where I’ve lived since the early ’80s is terrific. And for this year to carry the theme of honoring the Italian-American contribution in World War II is especially poignant for me because of my heritage.
AWR: Why is the Italian-American experience in World War II especially dear to you?
Robert Davi: My father’s father, Frank Davi, came from Sicily in the early 1900s. He enlisted in the US infantry and fought during World War I, where he received two Purple Hearts and an Oak Leaf Cluster. My father Salvatore, whose first language was Italian, enlisted in the Navy right before World War II. He was a Navy Gunner on a Merchant Marine ship. His ship was torpedoed and he was in the water on a raft for three days. He too received a Purple Heart.
Every year on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July, my father would raise the American flag and put on his Navy Uniform. He did this until dying in his mid-fifties.
Also, five of my mother’s brothers enlisted for World War II and fought in major Battles. As did my Godfather, Anthony Mignano. He was my father’s best friend growing up, and ended up flying a record number of missions on a bomber for the Air Force.
This is the Italian-American experience. And while we are proud of our Italian Heritage, being an American was (and is) a privilege. My Grandfather struggled to learn English and the children were taught to respect the gift this nation gives to its immigrants. These are values we must make take pains to protect because they are under siege by a complacent disrespect and a growing disregard for the dream that brought so many here.
AWR: What would you say to people who are thinking about coming to the feast but are still unsure?
Robert Davi: If you have not yet purchased tickets, please do so knowing it will be a fun and inspiring evening, with a ton of great food and friendship.
Please come and support this worthy cause.
More information on “The 9th Annual Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro” can be found at: www.feastofla.org
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