Evan Cartozzo was known throughout his Ormond neighborhood for his youthful innocence, his joy, and his love for his country and its flag – he carried three small flags with him wherever he went.
Cartozzo tragically passed away in 2023, at the age of 28. Following his death, his neighbors displayed flags in their front yards in his memory.
And this past weekend, his neighbors ensured his memory will continue to live on for years to come. The Ormond Civic Association held a dedication ceremony for a newly erected flagpole located at the intersection of Ormond Boulevard and River Road, one that simultaneously will serve as tribute to Cartozzo and the servicemen and women of the United States. The dedication happened on Sunday – fittingly, on Flag Day.
“The OCA had begun talking about having a flagpole. We didn’t have one in the area,” said Leslie Wolfe of the Ormond Civic Association. “And simultaneously, (Evan’s mother Wendy), wanted to do something to contribute to a flagpole in the area. So, it was really two things that came together. She said that she knew Evan would love for us to have something in the neighborhood with a flag.”
Cartozzo, who had Down syndrome, was beloved in his community – and known for that love of the flag.
“Evan loved the flag. Everyone who knew him knew they wouldn’t see him without his three flags,” said Wendy. “We were just so very honored.”
Cartozzo’s father Mark said his son had a natural joy about him.
“He tried to be good to everyone,” Mark said. “He didn’t serve in the military, but when you think of what it represents – unselfishness, service, sacrifice and total dedication to something – he was totally dedicated to his family, his friends … if he ever saw someone that was upset, he was the first one to pat him on the back and console him.
“To know there will forever be such a meaningful, majestic symbol here in our community to remind everyone of Evan just means the world to us.”
Cartozzo’s uncle and grandfather served in the military.
“And my mother was so proud of my brother, everything she had in her home had an American flag on it,” Wendy said. “Evan just loved the colors and it brought him comfort and security to just have those flags in his hands. It calmed him down. It helped him get through everything.”
There was a strong turnout attending the dedication ceremony. Military veterans – including Cartozzo’s uncle, Brian Villavaso, retired Lt. Colonel of the U.S. Air Force – Boy Scout Troop 317 and the Destrehan High School ROTC took part in the ceremony.
Lucy Chiasson sang the National Anthem, and Villavaso and retired U.S. Navy veteran Mark Kelley were guest speakers at the event.
Wolfe spoke during her closing remarks at the dedication about how the military brings people together, as well as some of the qualities that made Cartozzo special.
“I believe they keep us safe at home and abroad,” Wolfe said. “They pull us together as a local and a national community. And the qualities that Evan embodied were not only his patriotism, but his perpetual youthful innocence. He had such a joy. I wish everyone could have known him. He had such love and compassion for others.”
