Story and Photos by MIKE LEE

DC 37 members and activists joined union leaders to celebrate the history and heritage of Italian-Americans and rejoice in being together in the first Italian Heritage Committee-sponsored public event since the pandemic.

The 25th Annual Italian Heritage Month Celebration was an opportunity for members and guests to come together for fun and fellowship, and a chance for old friends and colleagues to spend a Saturday together.

Held at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach, Queens, the celebration honored the heritage and accomplishments of Italian-Americans, including their role in the labor movement.

Italian-American immigrants such as Arturo Giovannitti, a leader of the 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike, and Angela Bambace, who served for half a century in the leadership of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, are just two out of many important figures who built American labor into the powerhouse it has been for more than a century.

Following their example, Italian-American labor activists remain a driving force at DC 37, serving in leadership positions both as elected officials and staff.

DC 37 Italian Heritage Committee Chair Michael DeMarco, President of NYC Traffic Employees Local 1455, spoke of the importance of gathering to celebrate those accomplishments.

“I am honored to be back with all of you for the first time since October 2019 to celebrate Italian heritage and its rich culture,” DeMarco said. “We understand the importance of preserving and passing our traditions to future generations.

“Our ancestors came to this country with a dream and a desire for a better life,” he continued. “They worked hard, persevered, and made countless sacrifices to provide for their families and build a better future. Isn’t that what we do here as a union?”

In his remarks, DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido reminded the audience of union pride and resilience during difficult times.

“We share with each other as a family and move forward together,” Garrido said. “We are proud to be in this union because we fight for our members’ rights every single day.”