Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
More than 300 people gathered in Mishawaka, Indiana, on Oct. 14 to celebrate Columbus Day and Italian Heritage Month. A 1 p.m. ceremony at the Columbus statue in the city’s Central Park featured presentations by Mayor Dave Wood and Elkhart County Judge Chris Spataro, as well as representatives of local clubs from St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. Sam Jermano gave a tribute to many of the local Italian Americans who served in the military.
Festivities continued with an Italian buffet luncheon at the DeAmicis Club, with food provided by local restaurants. The event was sponsored by the DiLoreto Society, DeAmicis Italian Club, Italian American Heritage Society of Notre Dame/Michiana, Italian American Relief Association of Elkhart and Knights of Columbus Council 1878.
An exhibit spotlighting Italian–American history in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties opened in October 2024. Titled “Traditions and Progress,” the display tells the story of Italian immigrants to the area: their reasons for leaving, the challenges they faced and the progress they made. A section of the exhibit spotlights roughly 170 individuals and businesses who have made an impact in the area and the nation.
“We are proud of all the immigrants who sacrificed in coming here and yet accomplished so much,” says Joseph Agostino, event chairman and coordinator of the display. “It’s incredible how many success stories there are from such a relatively small group. We thank all the local Italian clubs and individuals who provided information and artifacts for the exhibit.”
