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Designating the week of Monday, October 3 through Monday, October 10, 2016 as “Christopher Columbus/Italian American Heritage Week” in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the festivities commemorating Columbus’ historic voyage to the New World and honoring Danny Aiello as Grand Marshall of the 2016 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade.
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WHEREAS, Five hundred and twenty-four years ago, a courageous Italian visionary set out on what would become one of the most momentous journeys in the annals of history. Christopher Columbus and the maps he charted to the “New World” were guiding lights to every ship that came to America; and
WHEREAS, The annual Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade began in South Philadelphia in 1957, and has since become one of the City’s premier ethnic celebrations. On October 9, 2016, 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 Danny Aiello, born Daniel Louis Aiello, Jr., on June 20, 1933 in New York City, the son of Italian American parents Francis Pietrocova Aiello and Daniel Louis Aiello, Sr.; and
WHEREAS, Danny Aiello has had a long and illustrious career on stage and screens both big and small and even in the recording studio; and
WHEREAS, Danny Aiello has received numerous Golden Globe and Academy Awards nominations for his roles in such memorable films as Moonstruck, Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, Lieberman in Love, which won an Academy Award, Bang the Drum Slowly, The Godfather, Part II, Fort Apache the Bronx, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Once Around, Hudson Hawk, Once Upon A Time In America, 29th Street, Ruby, Mojave Moon, Dinner Rush, City Hall, The Cemetery Club and Lucky Number Slevin just to name a few; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his numerous acting credits, Danny Aiello also tours with his swinging jazz band “Joe Geary & the Guys”, led by bandleader/drummer Joe Geary and has performed at such venues as the Apollo Theatre, the legendary Blue Note and the House of Blues in Los Angeles; and
WHEREAS, Danny Aiello has also received many awards for his philanthropic causes including his work with Major League Baseballs’ Stand up to Cancer Campaign, The Lustgarten Foundation on behalf of pancreatic cancer research, his PSAs for various police and fire organizations, including post 9/11 events, and his work with Veterans, HeartShare and Public Television; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the annual Parade Columbus Day 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 3 through October 10, 2016 as “Christopher Columbus/Italian American Heritage Week” and honor Danny Aiello as Grand Marshall of the 2016 Columbus Day Parade.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this resolution are presented to the Grand Marshall of the Parade, Danny Aiello, and to the 1492 Society as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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