Columbus Day Ceremony and Italian Heritage Month in Orange County

Santa Ana, CA - A wonderful ceremony rich in Italian heritage was conducted in the outside courtyard of the beautiful and historic Bowers Museum. Over 100 attendees were welcomed to Orange County’s official Columbus Day Civic Ceremony by Frank DeSantis, president of the Italian Arts Council of Bowers Museum and David Prisco, co-chairman and past state president of the Grand Lodge. Master of Ceremonies Andy Pampuro, past president of the Renaissance Lodge #2259 introduced the dignitaries and guests.

An invocation was led by Gabe Domenici, president of the Sgt. John Basilone Lodge. The pledge of allegiance was led by Al Trentini, president of Saddleback Lodge. Miss Angela Salcedo, queen of the Renaissance Lodge #2259 greeted the audience in English and Italian. Nina LoMonaco Perez beautifully sang the Italian and American National Anthems followed by the singing of Italian songs by children who are students of Fondazione Italia.

Professor Robert Buranello, the Musco Professorship of Italian Studies at Chapman University delivered the keynote address. Renaissance Lodge, Italian Renaissance Foundation President Tom Rizzo presented the prestigious Columbus Award to Albert Ricci, a successful property developer and owner of Ricci Realty in Orange. Frank DeSantis and Tom Rizzo proudly accepted a proclamation from Chief of Protocol Joanne Sokolski on behalf of Patricia Bates, chairman of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange which proclaimed October as Italian Heritage Month.

Al Ricci received a special proclamation in recognition of his vast service to the community which was presented by City of Orange Mayor Carolyn Cavecche. Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles Nicola Faganello praised the efforts of the Renaissance Foundation and Renaissance Lodge in the promotion of Columbus Day and the significance of Italian heritage events in the local communities especially since the Columbus Day celebrations also mark the start of celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of Italy’s Unification.

A wreath ceremony was conducted at the bronze carved Columbus Monument in the courtyard of the Bowers Museum by Tom Rizzo, Frank DeSantis, Andy Pampuro, David Prisco, Consul General Faganello, President of Federated Rosemarie Vanderhaar, National Trustee OSIA Joseph LaBanca and State Trustee OSIA Robert Gattinella. Following the program a reception for the guests was hosted by the Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation.

By Frank De Santis