The 25th anniversary of the Christopher Columbus Monument at Elmwood Park was celebrated Thursday with lots of singing, reminiscences and, of course, an Italian culinary feast. A ceremony held next to the recently refurbished monument-fountain that pays homage to the Italian explorer’s 15th- century voyage to the New World was highlighted by renditions of the Italian and U.S. national anthems by vocalist Erica Gagliardi, an appearance by Norristown ambassador Hank Cisco and the engaging verbal musings of guest of honor Phil Martelli.

Martelli, a former basketball coach at Bishop Kenrick High School and the current head coach of St. Joseph University’s men’s basketball team, won over the crowd with his well-known charisma and memories of his grandfather. As noted in his program bio, Martelli is passionate not only about his chosen profession but also about his role as the chairman of the Coaches vs. Cancer National Council. He kicked off his remarks fittingly by saying, “I get up every day with three things on my mind ― my family, my team and crushing cancer.”