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Designating the week of Sunday, October 13 through Saturday, October 19, 2024 as “Italian American Heritage Week” in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the countless contributions Italian Americans have given to our country and honoring Lisa Ann Walter as Grand Marshall of the 2024 Philadelphia Italian American Heritage Parade.
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WHEREAS, The annual Philadelphia Italian American Heritage Parade began in South Philadelphia in 1957, and has since become one of the City’s premier ethnic celebrations. On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the 1492 Society will host the annual parade. In addition to the active participation of the Delaware Valley’s Italian American community, the Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade tradition includes the world-famous Philadelphia Mummers string bands, outstanding high school and elementary school marching bands and many other marching groups representing the various ethnic traditions of our great City. The Parade seeks to foster a spirit of multi-culturalism and respect for people of all ethnic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Grand Marshall Lisa Ann Walter is an American actress, comedian, and television producer; and best known for her roles as Chessy the housekeeper in the film The Parent Trap (1998) and Melissa Schemmenti on the Peabody Award winning ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary (2021-present); and
WHEREAS, In addition to the annual Columbus Day Parade, festivities include an Italian Festival showcasing the culture and cuisine of the people of Italy. The Italian Festival takes place at Marconi Plaza the day of the Parade and includes food, dance and music from the many diverse regions of Italy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby designate the week of October 13 through October 19, 2024 as “Italian American Heritage Week” and honor Lisa Ann Walter as Grand Marshall of the 2024 Italian American Heritage Parade.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this resolution are presented to the Grand Marshall of the Parade, Lisa Ann Walter, and to the 1492 Society as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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