Benvenuti! The City of Jersey City, Mayor Steven M. Fulop, the City Council Members and the Office of Cultural Affairs are proud to recognize and honor the Jersey City Columbus Day Parade Committee and the Italian community as we celebrate the Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month during the Flag Raising ceremony on Friday, October 1, 2021.
In 1880, Italians began migrating to the U.S. to flee rural poverty in Southern Italy and Sicily. Today, Americans of Italian descent are the nations fifth-largest ethnic group. In tribute to all Italian Americans, the month of October was designated to be the Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month and was first celebrated in 1989 by proclamation of the President and Congress in the United States to honor the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants living in the United States, particularly in the arts, science, and culture.
Each October, millions of Americans of Italian descent come together to celebrate and reflect on their families’ histories, traditions, and values. Events are held throughout the month celebrating and educating the public about Italian-American history and culture. Many Italian-American families have meaningful accounts of hardships, discovery and drive that brought them to where they are today.
The Jersey City Columbus Day Parade Committee was founded in 2009 led by President Nicholas J. Grillo. It is here in Jersey City that they are recognized for their commitment to the preservation of Italian-American Heritage and Culture and for their efforts during the Columbus Day celebration. The significant contributions and accomplishments of the Italian-Americans to our great City and nation in the fields of education, politics, religion, science, industry and business serve an important asset to our City and to our nation’s growth and cultural development.
Attendees from Left to Right :
Lucia Manzo, Member of JCCD Parade Committee
Domenico Manzo, Member of JCCD Parade Committee
Michael Manzo, Member of JCCD Parade Committee
Al Cupo, Member of JCCD Parade Committee
Joseph DePaula, Member of JCCD Parade Committee
Anna DePaula, Member of JCCD Parade Committee
Lianna Maini, Member of JCCD Parade Committee
Billy Santomauro, Member of JCCD Parade Committee
Nick Sorrentino, Member of JCCD Parade Committee
Nick Grillo, President of Jersey City Columbus Day Parade Committee
Denise D’Allesandro, Member of JCCD Parade Committee
Councilwoman Mira-Prinz-Arey, Ward B of Jersey City
Council President Joyce Watterman, Municipal Council of Jersey City
To view the flag raising on YouTube please CLICK HERE
