Dozens gathered at a Chicago Heights restaurant for fellowship and to honor family members and former neighbors who served in the U.S. military during World War II. They shared memories Tuesday night of living in Chicago’s Roseland and Pullman neighborhoods and celebrated the discovery of a relic that honored men who fought for freedom after fascist Italy declared war on the United States.

They gathered to witness representatives of the Italian American Veterans Museum accept the donation of a 125-pound bronze plaque. The plaque was minted after World War II by the Roseland S.F.B.I. Club, which stood for Societa Filarmonica Bella Italia. “We’re thrilled to have this come to our museum,” Steve Corbo, museum curator, said. “I could see this as the centerpiece of our exhibits. It’s a wonderful way to keep alive the memories of these service people.”