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 officially marked its 100th anniversary on the same date and place of its founding June 22 in New York City's Little Italy.

The celebration began at the U.S. Custom House at Bowling Green and included a procession of active OSIA lodges and a centennial recommitment ceremony lead by Justice Frank J. Montemuro, of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and an OSIA Past National president.  Over three hundred members of the New York Grand Lodge attended this all day event.

New York government leaders addressed the crowd, offering congratulations. Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi spoke on the steps of the U.S. Custom House and Tony Avella, Chairman of the Italian American Caucus of the New York City Council, helped raise the Italian and United States flags at Bowling Green.

Later that day, participants assembled at OSIA's founding site, 203 Grand Street and unveiled a permanent plaque commemorating the centennial anniversary.  During a special dinner at SPQR Restaurant, Brother Salvatore Moschella, Editor of The Golden Lion newspaper and long time member of the Columbus Lodge No. 2143, received the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award from NYSOSIA President Carlo Matteucci. 

During the centennial program, National President Joseph Sciame stated  “Today we can carry our heads high for we have lived the dream of Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro and will continue that dream with the work OSIA and sharing our Italian traditions, culture and language”.