Worth the Wait

The special memorial dedication held two weeks ago in honor of Boston’s first Italian/American policeman killed in the line of duty was a long time coming.

Even in a world where it sometimes takes years to bestow honors on those who deserve them, the honor bestowed upon Patrolman Andrew Cuneo was a wait of 90 years.

It took nearly a century to acknowledge his personal sacrifice.

He died in the line of duty on Hanover Street.

It was entirely fitting and actually quite classy that Mayor Thomas Menino and Police Commissioner Ed David headed the list of dignitaries.

Also included in that list was Giuseppe Pastorelli, the Consul General of Italy and members of the Cuneo Family – still around after all the decades that have passed.

How fitting it was that Officer Cuneo’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren were on hand for the dedication of the memorial plaque in Paul Revere Park.

The world has turned thousands of times since that day and year when Officer Cuneo was gunned down with his life stretching before him like an endless dream.

By honoring him after so much time has passed, we honor ourselves and the neighborhood where he served with such heroism.

The mayor and the police commissioner deserve a hearty thank you for bringing to light the sacrifice that Officer Cuneo made and for taking part in a ceremony that brings added meaning to his duty and to Italian Americans and to the residents of this proud neighborhood.