Chief of Staff Bill Baker, on behalf of Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and city and state officials joined with the Italian Cultural Center of Western Mass (ICCWM) as well as Springfield UNICO and Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy to raise the Italian Flag in honor of Italian Heritage Month on the front steps of City Hall on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
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 as well as Sal Circosta, the Sons & Daughters of Italy, and all our dedicated organizations for continuing 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!’”
