Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined with the Italian Cultural Center of Western Mass (ICCWM) as well as Springfield UNICO and Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy along with city and state officials and members of the community to raise the Italian Flag in honor of Italian Heritage Month on the front steps of City Hall on Tuesday afternoon.
Rosemary Saccomani, Hampden County Register of Probate, served as Master of Ceremony. Fr. Paolo Bagatini C.S.S., from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel provide the benediction. Mayor Sarno proclaimed October “Italian Heritage Month” in the City of Springfield and brought greetings to a large crowd. Speakers included State Representatives Angelo Puppolo and Carlos Gonzalez, District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, Honorary Consul for the Italian Consulate Office for Western Mass Paul Picknelly, Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy President Sal Circosta, ICCWM President Charles Becker, West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, Agawam Mayor Chris Johnson, President Springfield UNICO David Garvey, and President South End Citizens Council Leo Florian. The Hampden County Sheriffs Department Honor Guard joined and Peter Annone & Rich Mitnick performed the American and Italian National Anthems. City Councilors Brian Santaniello and Michael Fenton, Police Superintendent Larry Akers, Veterans Director Joe DeCaro, Chief of Staff Bill Baker, and Parks Director Tom Ashe attended. A light reception, hosted by Honorary Consul Paul Picknelly, followed the ceremony in the City Hall Ante Room.
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!’”
