What started as a single flag in memorial for one soldier has quickly grown into grand dedication for all veterans of the United States military.
Each year, Army veteran Frank Criniti rises another level in showing his love for fellow veterans outside his 18th Street home in South Philly.
Five years ago, he dedicated a flag to his brother Joe who passed away in 2020 on the triangle of land situated between 18th Street, Bigler Street and Moyamensing Avenue. Now there’s a sprawling display of flags, markers, trees and shrubs that completely fill the lot.
For the fifth year, Criniti proudly welcomed guests to help honor veterans during a Sunday morning ceremony, where he unveiled his newest edition — a headstone engraved with the title “All 4 One” that serves as the name for his annual dedication to the troops.
An inscription reads, “Dedicated to the men and women who stepped forward to serve our country. Those that returned and those who did not, we salute you.”
“I wanted to get it two years ago. That’s when I started thinking about it,” Criniti said. “But I was finally able to put it together.”
Criniti contacted Matt Keen to engrave the stone. Criniti said he was warmly received and was offered a steep discount.
“I had priced it around $4,000 but he did it for $2,000 because his family also served in the military,” Criniti said. “It’s a great thing.”
The ceremony welcomed back war heroes Earl Courter Jr. and Enrico Storino who last year shared stories of what they encountered during the Vietnam War. Despite giving so much in the name of freedom, both men said they were grateful to be a part of the ceremony in front of about 100 people.
“This is just my second year coming here but this is an honor and a privilege,” said Courter, a Delran native who had his leg amputated after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. “It’s close to me because I know what it’s like to die and survive. Life is a gift. I’m lucky to be alive.”
Part of Storino’s family still lives in South Philly and he said he considers himself “part South Philly.” He said he sees a lot of similarities between tight-knit South Philly neighborhoods and the veterans who protect their freedoms.
“Everyone that knows South Philly knows we don’t need any fancy words to get our point across,” Storino said. “We’re pretty straight-forward people. We believe in family, loyalty, respect and standing up for what we believe in. Around here, your words mean something. Those are the same values that make a person proud to serve this country.”
Storino served as a “tunnel rat” in Vietnam, clearing dangerous tunnels for other soldiers.
“When you put on that uniform, something changes,” Storino said. “You’re no longer just looking out for yourself, but the person that is standing beside you. You’re part of something bigger than life itself.”
South Philly’s fastest-expanding veterans memorial is still testing its boundaries. It has grown to represent every branch of the military and serve as a remembrance of every war fought by the United States. But as time marches on, so do the ideas to bring something new to the All 4 One Memorial on 18th Street.
“Every year I try to add something,” Criniti said. “And a lot of people are asking me what’s in mind for next year. But I just plead the Fifth.”
