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Designating the week of Sunday, October 8 through Saturday, October 14, 2023 as "Italian American Heritage Week" in the City of Philadelphia and honoring Gaetano (Guy) Pigliacelli and Gerald "Jerry" Blavat (posthumously) as the Grand Marshalls of the 2023 Philadelphia Italian American Parade.
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WHEREAS, The annual Philadelphia Italian American Parade began in South Philadelphia in 1957 and has since become one of the City's premier ethnic celebrations. On October 8, 2023, the 1492 Society will host the annual parade. In addition to the active participation of the Delaware Valley's Italian American community, the Philadelphia Italian American Parade tradition includes the world-famous Philadelphia Mummers string bands, outstanding high school 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, This year our Grand Marshall Gaetano (Guy) Pigliacelli, a proud lifelong Philadelphian and union carpenter. Guy started his career with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America in 1969 as an apprentice. Guy would work his way up through the union becoming a journeyman, foreman and eventually superintendent. Throughout his 54-year career, Guy worked on many high-profile construction projects in the city. Guy was elected as Business Agent of Local 1050 in 1987. Later in his career, Guy was appointed as the Political Director of the Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters. Guy held both of these positions until his retirement in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Guy is a proud resident of South Philadelphia where he lives with his wife Denise and enjoys spending time with his three children and four grandchildren. For over 50 years, Guy has been a strong advocate for fair wages and benefits and a better way of life for Union Carpenters and their families; and
WHEREAS, We also honor Gerald "Jerry" B...
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