CHRISTMAS IN LOWER MANHATTAN TO HONOR THE ORDER SONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA & ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE

Joseph Sciame, National President of the Order Sons of Italy in America, announced today that the annual Bowling Green Christmas Tree, which stands at the southern tip of Broadway, where New York City was founded and the site of the oldest public park in America, will pay tribute to the upcoming 100th Anniversary of the Sons of Italy on June 22, 2005.  Arthur Piccolo, chairman of the Bowling Green Association, that is  responsible for the Christmas Tree project, has invited Mr. Sciame to place  the Italian flag at the top of the 64 ft. evergreen at the Lighting Ceremony, Monday, December 13th at 5PM. This will be the third year in a row that a flag rather than a star has graced the top of the Christmas Tree.   In 2001 the American flag flew following 9/11/01.  In 2002 the New York City flag in honor of the 350th Anniversary of New York City. Last year there was no Christmas Tree due to construction in the park.  Further inspiring the decision to place the Italian flag at the crown of the tree is the fact that Joseph Sciame's cousin, and prominent Lower Manhattan business leader Frank Sciame, president of Frank J. Sciame Construction, took the lead this year in gathering support for the Christmas Tree which is completely funded with private donations. Both Joseph and Frank Sciame are the great-grandsons of Giuseppe Sciame with roots in Sciacca, the Province of Agrigento, Sicily, Italy.

In joining with the planning of the event, both Messrs. Joseph and Frank Sciame expressed great pride in their Italian heritage and for this unique celebration. Joseph Sciame stated: "It is most propitious that we light this tree at the holiday season as we prepare for the 100th anniversary of the OSIA. Moreover, as we strengthen and build up the membership in the OSIA, I can happily share the occasion with my cousin, a great Italian America architect and builder in our city, state and nation."

In addition, what is today the most famous work of sculpture in the world Italian American Arturo DiModica's 3 1/2 ton bronze "Charging Bull" is celebrating its 15th Anniversary at Bowling Green this month. The bronze stands directly in front of the Christmas Tree and attracts millions of visitors each year.

For additional information contact the OSIA at 202.547.2900 or the Bowling Green Association at 212-809-4615.