Italian American Heritage and Culture Month Celebrated in Long Branch

By Roberto Ferragina

AVS member and MC of flag raising event, Roberto Ferragino

The Amerigo Vespucci Society (AVS) of Long Branch once again celebrated the start of Italian American Heritage and Culture month with their third annual flag raising at Long Branch’s City Hall on Friday. Their current President, Joseph Mossa, stated, “As the state and nation’s oldest Italian American Mutual Aid Society, the AVS wanted to make sure it officially started the month the proper way by acknowledging the federally declared month of October as ‘Italian American Heritage and Culture Month’. “October is a time to honor the contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans to the United States, particularly in the arts, science, and culture. It also recognizes the struggles and successes of the more than five million Italians who immigrated to America between 1820 and 2000. Today, Italian Americans are the 5th largest ethnic group in the United States.

New Jersey Assemblywoman Luannne Peterpaul spoke at the event and presented a proclamation to the AVS. Other dignitaries in attendance included Long Branch Councilman Mario Vieira, Ocean Township Councilman Rob Acerra, Matawan-Aberdeen Municipal Judge Michael G. Celli Jr., Monmouth County Fire Marshal Fred Migliaccio, and Long Branch Poet lariat Emanuel di Pasquale who read his poem “The Statue, The Statue” in both English and in Italian. Mr. di Pasquale emotionally explained to those in attendance how he first saw the Statue of Liberty as he arrived in the United States as a child who left his family and friends behind in the city of Ragusa in Sicily, how he did not speak any English, and today owes his successes and achievements to the United States.

Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul and Mayor John Pallone

AVS member and Mayor John Pallone opened the ceremony followed by MC Roberto Ferragina, who is one of the society’s board members. Approximately fifty people attended the flag raising. This year the AVS invited representatives from local Italian American organizations to assist in the actual raising of the flag. Those organizations included the Italian American Memorial Association (IAMA), the Figli Di Colombo Club, and the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean (IAATO).

Leading up to the flag being hoisted to the top of the auxiliary pole Ferragina addressed the crowd, “As we raise the flag, we hear the echoes and whispers of those Italian immigrants who left everything behind, from places such as Calabria, Naples, and Sicily to come to places like Long Branch, New Jersey. Throughout the years their impact and the impact of their descendants contributed to this community. Long gone are the days of Valentinos Market, Mazzacco’s Pharmacy, Baldanza’s Bakery, Ocean View Bakery, Holy Trinity School, Frank’s Barbershop, the many sewing factories that Italian immigrants worked at in Long Branch and nearby towns, and more,” Ferragino said. “However, today we, the members of the Amerigo Vespucci Society, the Italian American Memorial Association, the Figli Di Colombo, and the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean remember their influence and cultural impact on our community and on our lives. We raise the flag today to remember their sacrifices, their courage, and their contributions.”

AVS Vice President Frank Crupi, Esquire was one of the society members in attendance. After the flag was raised, he stated, “There are several local Italian American organizations and that is a good thing. We all share pride in our heritage and we are all united by the beautiful red, white, and green of the Italian flag.”

When asked about the meaning of the Italian flag colors AVS board member and local businessman Paul Sgro stated, “There are several versions of what the colors represent however my favorite is the idealistic interpretation of the Green representing freedom, white representing faith, and red representing love.”

AVS member Bob Iamello, AIA added, “For us at the AVS the colors also represent the sacrifices many Italian immigrants made to create a better life for their children as well as the achievements Italian Americans have made to our great nation, the United States.”

Also, in attendance and assisting in the flag raising were several Long Branch police officers. Detective Corporal Joseph Spitale stated, “The Italian community and the AVS in particular have always been strong supporters of the Long Branch Police Department. As an officer and also an Italian American it gives me pride to see the flag being raised.” The Italian flag will be on display in front of City Hall on Broadway through the month of October. There are other municipalities throughout the state that have also raised the Italian flag at their respective municipal buildings.

The AVS will continue the October festivities by marching in the Long Branch Columbus Day Parade on October 13th as well as hosting their annual “Thomas Gagliano Tripe Dinner” which will be held later in the month. The event has been taking place at the AVS for over fifty years. It has always been sold out and includes a multi course meal. Society member Joseph Valentino, who has been on the Tripe Dinner Committee for many years stated, “Having the dinner this year in October, as we did last year, allows the membership an opportunity, once again, to further celebrate, acknowledge and enjoy some Italian passions, that being amazing food, friendship, community, and brotherhood. It’s also an opportunity to remind those who attend the dinner about Italian Heritage month and the history behind it.” He continued, “We are especially lucky this year, as our fellow society member Joseph Sirianni will be preparing the meal. As a Long Branch native and trained chef, we know the meal will be spectacular!”

The AVS, founded and incorporated in 1893, takes its name from the famous 15th century Italian explorer and map maker.  The organization was originally established as a mutual aid society where Italian men could congregate, escape from discrimination and anti-Italianism that began during the period of large-scale Italian immigration during the late 19th century. Since that time the society members have made it a priority to assist each other and their families when there was/is no other place to turn. Today, the AVS continues to be a mutual aid society as well as a 501(c)3 organization assisting individuals and organizations in the community and providing educational scholarships.  They are active in combating pervasive negative stereotyping and defamation of Italian Americans in the media and promote the extraordinary history and accomplishments of Italians and Italian-Americans. They also promote the admiration, general appreciation and love of Italy, its culture, society, arts and people. The AVS joins other local and national organizations in promoting Italophilia and combating anti-Italianism.