Italian History Month Is Here With Wonderful Displays In Grand Central Terminal

October, 2010, New York, NY – The Italians have invaded Manhattan once again with their annual Italian History Month and Columbus Day month-long celebrations. The Columbus Citizen’s Foundation sponsors the annual event that includes an exhibit in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall, gala dinner, wreath-laying at Columbus Circle and culminated by the world-famous Columbus Day parade while celebrating Italian-American heritage on New York's Fifth Avenue since 1929.

This Foundation is a non-profit organization in New York City. They are committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement through a broad range of philanthropic and cultural activities. They provide opportunities for deserving Italian-American students to gain academic advancement with scholarships and grant programs.

As always, an Italian automobile is featured in Grand Central Terminal’s main concourse. This year, it’s the Maserati Granturismo convertible that will be raffled off with tickets costing $1000 each – certainly not for the faint of heart or the wallet for that matter. It is all for a good cause and this year’s model is no exception. It arrived on the floor on October 1st.

The giant-sized posters are also on the columns of the grandest rail terminal in the country. Featured is Grand Marshal Maria Bartiromo (CNBC anchor) along with honorees Joseph Ficalora, Enrico Gaglioti, Maurice Greenberg, Ken Langone (Home Depot founder), Robert LaPenta, Joseph Moglia, Joseph Plumeri and Peter Sidoti. Grand Marshal Maria Bartiromo and Enrico Gaglioti were both honored guests at the Italian American Museum’s annual gala of 2008.

Other events are scheduled as part of the Columbus celebration. On Friday in Bowling Green Park will see the raising of the Italian & American flags in honor of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army Sgt. Salvatore Giunta and the reading of the names of all prior Italian Americans awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Pietro Alberti, the first Italian Immigrant to arrive in what is now New York City (on the 375th anniversary of his arrival) will also be honored.