The Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation (OCAIRF) together with the Italian Cultural Arts Council of the Bowers Museum; Renaissance Lodge #2259 Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) and community dignitaries gathered together in the courtyard of the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana to commemorate Columbus’ discovery of America.
The Bowers Museum hosts the Columbus Monument, a prominent bronze sculpture carved by world-renowned artist Domenico Mazzone, donated by OCAIRF on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage in 1992. The Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation is committed to preserving the Italian American heritage in the area and organizes the Columbus Day celebration annually at the Bowers Museum. Approximately 150 people attended the morning Columbus Day program.
Following the program a light lunch was provided for all guests and their families hosted by the Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation and Italian Cultural Arts Council. In the afternoon, over 2,000 attendees came to the Bowers Museum’s Italian and Family Festival. Italian cookies were provided to all attendees of the festival.
The morning ceremony, conducted by Commendatore Frank J. De Santis, President of Italian Arts Council, Past State and Past National President OSIA, and OCAIRF co-founder, featured flag color guard ceremony, Italian and American national anthems, a wreath presentation at Columbus’ Monument and in the afternoon, traditional Italian singing and entertainment, a marionette puppet show for the kids and Italian inspired arts and crafts.
In the official proclamation read by Commendatore Frank De Santis, the Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation and the Italian Cultural Arts Council of the Bowers Museum were congratulated by the Orange County Board of Supervisors “for their continued efforts to bring the heritage, history, contributions, and legacy of the Italian people to the forefront in Orange County”, and October was pronounced as Italian Heritage Month. Dr. Paul Licata, Head Trustee Renaissance Lodge, read the proclamation to the Italian Renaissance Foundation from City of Santa Ana on behalf of Mayor Pulido.
The civic ceremony began with an invocation led by John Alfieri of the Renaissance Lodge; the Pledge of Allegiance by Tony Coco, Orator, Renaissance Lodge. In addition, Tustin American Legion, Post 227A presented a flag color guard. The Italian National Anthem under the direction of Erma and Chris Burnettwas sung beautifully by twelve children of the Italian Immersion Program of Benjamin Franklin Magnet School in Los Angeles, and arranged by Hilary Stern of Fondazione.
The Star Spangled Banner was performed by Chris Burnett The Columbus Day Address was presented by Joseph Ferruci, Esq. Immediate Past President Orange County Italian Lawyers The OSIA Grand Lodge of California President Lynn Lawrence Murphy thanked the Renaissance Lodge and Renaissance Foundation for the wonderful tribute and dedication to honor Christopher Columbus. She praised the members for keeping the traditional holiday alive as a source of pride of our Italian heritage.
The prestigious Columbus Awards were presented to two distinguished members of the Renaissance Lodge, A.J (Tony) Coco for “Man of the Year” and Bernadine Liuzzi-Neil for “Woman of the Year” by President David A. Prisco in recognition of their long standing dedication, accomplishments and achievements toward the Order Sons of Italy, its affiliate organizations and their leadership roles in the Lodge. In addition, proclamations of recognition from the city of Orange for Bernadine Neil and from the city of Tustin to AJ “Tony” Coco were presented by President Prisco.
Also in attendance representing the Grand Lodge OSIA were State Financial Secretary Gabe Domenici, State Trustees Marco Zonni and Al Trentini. Distinguished guests included past president and founder of Lex Romana, Joseph D’Antony, Esq., Vice President Lex Romana Dominic E. Rainone and OSIA Western Foundation Trustee Commendatore Joseph LaBanca.
Proclamations honoring the Renaissance Lodge, the Italian Cultural Arts Council and the Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation were received from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the City of Santa Ana and the cities of Tustin and Orange.
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