WASHINGTON, June 20, 2005—The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), the oldest and largest national organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States, will officially mark its 100th anniversary on the same date and place of its founding June 22 in New York City’s Little Italy. The celebration will begin at the U.S. Custom House at Bowling Green and will include a procession of active OSIA lodges and a centennial recommitment ceremony. Among the dignitaries expected to speak are Tony Avella, Chairman of the Italian American Caucus of the New York City Council and Charles Gargano, Empire State Development Chairman. Later that day, participants will assemble at OSIA’s founding site, 203 Grand Street to place a permanent plaque commemorating the centennial anniversary. [See below for details.] “OSIA has distinguished itself over the last hundred years as the leading Italian American organization in the country and has given nearly $90 million to disaster relief, medical research, education and cultural programs” says Joseph Sciame, OSIA National President. OSIA is one of the oldest ethnic organizations in the country, established before the NAACP (1909), the Jewish Anti-Defamation League (1913) and the National Council of La Raza (1968). OSIA was founded in 1905 by Vincenzo Sellaro, M.D. to unite Italians in America and assist them in work and education. One hundred years later, the organization counts 600,000 members and supporters and 700 chapters or lodges across the United States. Since its founding it has established more than 2,800 lodges in 43 states and the District of Columbia. New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are among the states with the largest representation in OSIA. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS EVENT: The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) Centennial Anniversary Celebration Flag Presentation, Procession & Recommitment Ceremony DATE: Wednesday, June 22 PLACE: U.S Custom House at Bowling Green 1 Bowling Green at Broadway & Whitehall Street New York, NY TIME: 1 – 3 PM EVENT: The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) Centennial Anniversary Celebration Plaque Dedication & Ceremony PLACE: Founding Site of OSIA 203 Grand Street Little Italy, NY TIME: 5 – 6 PM DIGNITARIES: - Tony Avella, Chairman of the Italian American Caucus, NYC Council - Empire State Development Chairman Charles Gargano - OSIA National President Joseph Sciame - Justice Frank J. Montemuro, Jr. |
