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Designating the week of Monday, October 2 through Monday, October 9, 2017 as "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 Connie Francis as Grand Marshall of the 2017 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade.
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WHEREAS, Five hundred and twenty-five years ago, an Italian explorer 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 8, 2017, 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 Connie Francis, born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, on December 12, 1938 in Newark, New Jersey, is the daughter of first generation Italian American parents. At age 14, Connie won a spot on The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scout Show, on which, every Christmas, rather than featuring the usual adult singers, Godfrey would highlight child performers instead; and
WHEREAS, In 1958, Cashbox, Billboard and the Jukebox Operators of America named Connie Francis as the #1 Female Vocalist. She was named Top Female Vocalist by all the trades for six consecutive years - a record never surpassed. As well, England's prestigious New Musical Expres...
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