STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island war hero Rev. Vincent R. Capodanno was officially immortalized with a statue and public access military garden earlier this month — a tribute made possible in part by a grant from the National Association of Realtors.

“The positive impact of a $7,500 National Association of Realtors ‘Placemaking Grant’ awarded to the Staten Island Board of Realtors was realized Dec. 14 during an unveiling of a public-access ‘Military Garden’ and statue of Father Vincent Robert Capodanno,” the Staten Island Board of Realtors noted in a press release.

Upon applying for the grant, SIBOR detailed that the funds would be specifically earmarked for the purchase and placement of shrubbery, perennials and concrete pavers to surround the commemorative eight-foot statue, which was recently unveiled near the intersection of Seaview Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard.

The multi-organizational project, which was supported by several of Staten Island’s elected officials, as well as a strong contingent of borough veterans, also added a variety of patriotic enhancements to the park area.

“I sold keychains and raffles. I gave out poppies … That is how I raised the funds for this statue,” Anthony “Tony” Leto, a Vietnam veteran and driving force behind the memorial, noted at the unveiling. “I’m grateful for those who helped me along the way.”

Speakers at the ceremony acknowledged the legacy of Father Capodanno, both as a Staten Islander and as an inspiration to the borough’s community of veterans.

“Today, we are here to recognize Father Capodanno, an extraordinary veteran, whose courage and service continue to inspire our community,” said State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat representing the Island’s North Shore.

“This statue stands as a tribute, not only to him but to all veterans who have sacrificed for our freedoms,” she said, before also acknowledging Paul Matrecano from her office, who helped secure the site for the statue.

“As a young boy, I got to know who Father Capodanno was because they changed this name from Seaside Boulevard to Father Capodanno Boulevard, you got to know what this hero was all about,” added Borough President Vito Fossella.

“I got to know Jim Capodanno and put two and two together,” Fossella continued, referring to Father Capodanno’s brother. “Jim, like so many others here, kept Father Capodanno’s legacy alive and they remind us every moment what it really means to sacrifice for freedom.”

Father Capodanno was alongside the men of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines on Sept. 4, 1967, when he ultimately lost his life during a search-and-destroy mission. Despite being unarmed, he was shot 27 times on the battlefield in Que Son Valley while running to the aid of a wounded corpsman and the Marine he was assisting.

Even though Father Capodanno had sustained his own serious injuries, the chaplain spent the last moments of his life administering medical and spiritual care.

The bronze effigy features Father Capodanno dressed in fatigues. In one hand he holds a rosary. With the other, he’s comforting a small child.

The base of the statue chronicles the life of the Staten Island-born priest and Medal of Honor recipient. The memorial also pays tribute to his family and to the many Staten Islanders who made the monument possible.