Honoring Heritage: Long Branch Celebrates Italian-American Pride with Flag Raising

LONG BRANCH, NJ – The City of Long Branch and the Amerigo Vespucci Society (AVS) celebrated Italian-American Heritage Month by hosting the annual Italian Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall on October 4th. This longstanding tradition brought together local officials, community members, and society representatives to honor Italian heritage and culture.

Mayor John Pallone opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, expressing his gratitude for the contributions of the AVS and other organizations to the community. “Thank you for all you contribute to a variety of people in so many ways, including scholarships, fundraising, and helping those in need,” Pallone said.

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Roberto Ferragina, an AVS board member, introduced New Jersey Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul, who shared her pride as an Italian-American. She acknowledged the hard work of Italian immigrants and emphasized the importance of celebrating Italian traditions. “We are here today not only to celebrate our heritage but also to thank the Italian community for their continued contributions to our society,” Peterpaul said.

The event also addressed the struggles faced by early Italian immigrants, including discrimination and anti-Italian sentiment. Founded in 1875 by a small group of Italian men from the Calabria region, AVS was a refuge for those facing widespread prejudice during the late 19th century. Ferragina highlighted the society's mission, stating, “We are committed to combating negative stereotyping and defamation of Italian Americans in the media, while promoting the extraordinary history and accomplishments of Italians and Italian-Americans."

As the oldest Italian American Mutual Aid Society in the U.S., with a 150-year history, AVS continues to champion Italophilia and challenge anti-Italianism. Ferragina expressed the deeper meaning behind the Italian Flag Raising Ceremony. "The Italian flag holds significant symbolism: green for freedom, white for faith, and red for love. Watching it being raised honors those who left everything behind in search of a better life.”

Events like this, Ferragina noted, strengthen the bond within the Italian community and promote cultural understanding. Valeria Garcia, a Long Branch resident, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Events like this help bring the community together, encouraging involvement and fostering an appreciation for different cultures.”

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Ferragina concluded by reflecting on the legacy of AVS and its founders. “Those who established the AVS, and those who followed, endured great hardship and discrimination. We owe it to them to preserve our customs, culture, and language, ensuring that the unique story of Italian Americans lives on.”

The Italian Flag Raising Ceremony stands as a proud representation of the resilience, culture, and achievements of the Italian-American community in Long Branch.

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