Mayor Sarno presented a proclamation declaring the month of October 2023 as Italian Heritage Month in the city of Springfield.
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank ICCWM President Charlie Becker, Honorary Consul General for the Italian Consulate Paul Picknelly and all the members of the Italian Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts for continuing to organize this tradition to honor our heritage. Being first generation Italian-American, this ceremony is very special to me. Like many immigrants, when Italian-Americans immigrated to America they faced numerous difficulties and challenges. They took any menial jobs and toiled to be able to provide for themselves and their families. It is because of our forefathers and mother’s perseverance and efforts, that generations to follow have and continue to lead in all walks of life, whether in Springfield, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States of America and the world. I’m proud to be an Italian-American and live our motto of ‘Family, Faith, and Food!’”
