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The children's belltower, located just north of Bodega Bay, California, is
one of the most magical places in the world. It is dedicated to the memory
of Nicholas Green, a 7-year-old boy who was shot to death during a robbery
while his family (who are Sonoma County residents) was vacationing in Italy.
Rather than curse Italy for the incident, Nicholas' parents decided to
donate his organs to seven separate Italians who were in need of organ
transplants. The country was so touched by this act that organ donorship in
Italy, a country where the practice was almost never done, has skyrocketed.
Nicholas father, Reg Green, has written a book called "The Nicholas
Effect" about the experience.There is a plaque at the belltower, which explains: "This memorial is dedicated to children everywhere. It was inspired by the death of seven-year-old Nicholas Green of Bodega Bay, who was shot by highway robbers in Italy on September 29, 1994. All the bells were donated, mostly by families, schools and churches in Italy to express their sorrow -- and appreciation for the decision of Nicholas' parents, Maggie and Reg Green, to donate his organs to seven Italians. They symbolize the continuity of life. The centerpiece is from the Marshall Foundry, which has been making bells for the papacy for a thousand years. This bell, which has on it the names of Nicholas and the seven recipients, was blessed by Pope John Paul II. The memorial was designed and built by Bruce Hasson of San Francisco."
Nicholas' grave is located in the Bodega cemetery, just down the road from the chapel of St. Theresa de Avila (where parts of Alfred Hitchcock's film "The Birds" were filmed). It displays a picture of Nicholas, and is covered in flowers, trinkets and toys left by visitors. I understand that there is some kind of memorial for Nicholas in the place where he was killed, but I do not know the nature of this memorial.