With the Battle of the Badges II Now in the books, we would like to update everyone on the funds raised for the plaque. So far, we have received right under $1,000, and here are the donors who have helped us get there:

TONY'S NORWICH FRIENDS:

Jamie LaValley: $500
Ray Murray: $300
Jeffrey Sharpe: $250
Brent Eysenbach
Steve Gagner
John Tesh


Norwich University President Richrd Schneider also donated to the effort and marshalled the school's communication resources to get the word out about this event. Special thanks to all the folks at Norwich who helped out. We have been getting calls the last few days from all corners of the Earth about Tony and this effort.

One company stepping up in a big way to help is bpositiveproject.com and their Founder/Creator Steve Martin.

Steve is offering a chance for anyone buying his products to donate a portion of of the proceeds to Tony's fund:

http://bpositiveproject.com/2010/04/25/remembering-a-true-american-hero-anthony-palermo-b-positive-project-com/


Special thanks also to Angel F. Ortiz, another major plaque donor who provided $100 for the effort. Also, Colonel Robert Tripp, Tony's Army JROTC Teacher at Brockton High School provided $100.

Once the plaque and dedication ceremony is paid for, we will still keep the site up and collect donations for a scholarship in Tony's honor that will be given to a local High School student. We are working directly with NEW ENGLAND WARRIOR to co-promote our commong goals and get over the last hurdle to get Tony's plaque paid for.

Stay tuned for a replay of the Battle of the Badges II event tribute, a slideshow, and information on the next event.

We will provide more details on the dedication ceremony in the future, and we will try to plan new events in the future to keep Tony's memory alive and raise capital for his fund.

Thanks to everyone who showed up specifically for Tony's Tribute, and please feel free to leave suggestions and ideas for future events in the comment section here.

We truly want this site and this effort to be a living and active memorial for Tony that is everlasting and forever allows people the opprtunity to learn more about him and his bravery. We also registered www.memorialsforheroes.com to explore doing more of this type of work for local heroes of all types, from every walk of life.

The reception Tony's tribute generated was motivating and inspiring, and I know he would be proud to be associated with recognizing the selfless actions of hereoes everywhere.

By: Rich Bergeron

     I knew Anthony Palermo, Jr. when he was a Freshman at Norwich University who joined my Boxing club. Anthony was one of my toughest fighters. He showed up every day, and he never complained about the crazy workouts I put my pupils through. He was always eager for more.

    Anthony was also always very professional. He fit the military mold very well, and he was proud to wear the uniform. As we used to say at Norwich about the standout rook cadets, Anthony was "high speed, low drag."

     Hearing he'd reached the rank of Captain just 4 years after graduating college, I was very impressed with how far this "kid" had come since I first met him at practice. I will always remember him as that tough young kid who came out for the team and never quit. It didn't take long for that kid to become a man and to prove his worth.

      We all miss Anthony, and his tragic death in 2007 took him from his family and friends much too soon. Here are some links to information about his passing:

HONOR THE FALLEN PAGE ON ANTHONY

IRQ/AFGHANISTAN WAR HEROES SITE

PALERMO HONORED BY MILITARY FAMILIES

We will be working to create and place a plaque for Anthony on the grounds of Brockton High School in coordination with the BATTLE OF THE BADGES II event set for April 24, 2010 at the Boston Athletic Club. Any funds we receive above and beyond the amount it will cost to create and install the plaque will go to a scholarship in Anthony's name.

It's time now to make sure Anthony's legacy is never forgotten. I have created this site to allow Anthony's friends and family to comment about him and leave photos, links, and messages about knowing this true American hero. I want those who were close to Anthony Palermo, Jr. to remind the world who he was so future generations can learn from his great example. I look forward to giving my tribute in public on April 24th, and we will have video of it posted here later. It is my intention to create a perpetual yearly scholarship fund in Anthony's name to benefit Brockton High School graduates. We will provide news here on the plaque drive and the scholarship creation as it happens.

IF YOU HAVE ANY PHOTOS OR INFO ON ANTHONY YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE, YOU CAN LEAVE THEM IN THE COMMENT SECTION HERE OR EMAIL THEM TO RICH.BERGERON@GMAIL.COM

Just click HERE to access the comment area (scroll down for the entry box). The more comments left, the better. The cost of the plaque we will have commissioned is more than $2,000, and you can donate by clicking on the button to the right.