Envoy saved thousands from the Nazis

Recently a new stone plaque in Ho's name was unveiled in Monte Stella Park, Milan. Gabriele Nissim, president of the Milan charity Gariwo which organized the memorial, said that in the modern world, now more than ever, it was vital to remember the importance of human kindness as shown by Ho.

The European refugee crisis, said Nissim, with hundreds of thousands fleeing from Asia and Africa, and thousands dying while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea, shows how important Ho's example was.

"Remembering Ho and other World War II heroes is the process of remembering the possibility of humanity to do kindness and take care of each other," Nissim said.

"After World War II we thought what happened to the Jews would not happen again, but that is not true. So this day we push young people to take responsibility for what happened in history."

The naming of Piazzetta Ho Feng Shan came about through a two-year process by the Italian Chinese Entrepreneurs Union. Luca Song, chairman of the group, said the naming of the square meant Ho's story would continue to inspire generations of Chinese living overseas.

"His humanitarian deeds provide guidance to our conduct, so we must remember him."