From Harford County government:
The Harford County Human Relations Commission is recognizing National Italian Heritage Month in October. This year’s theme is “cherishing heritage and looking forward to the future.”
Italian Americans celebrate their heritage as far back as the voyages of the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. Over five million Italians immigrated to the United States from 1820 to 1992. Currently, Italian Americans represent the fifth largest ethnic group in the United States. Italian Americans have contributed to society with music, theater, cinema, art, science and business.
Italian Heritage Month includes the celebration of Columbus Day. New York City organized the first observance of the day on October 12, 1866. In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison observed the 400th anniversary of discovering America. President Franklin Roosevelt declared October 12 to be a federal holiday for Columbus Day in 1937. The current holiday is observed on the second Monday in October, which was selected by President Richard Nixon.
The Harford County Human Relations Commission is a 15 member volunteer advisory board appointed by the County Executive with the approval of the County Council. Members serve with the County Executive representing all segments of the County’s population.
The Commission is looking for new members. Citizens interested should contact the Office of Human Relations at 410-638-4739 or humanrelations@harfordcountymd.gov.
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