The Town of BWG along with two representatives from the Bradford Italian Association stood outside the courthouse Tuesday afternoon for a small flag raising event to celebrate and recognize Festa della Repubblica, Italy's National Day.
What would have typically been a large celebration for the Italian community in Bradford, was instead a small socially distanced event with Mayor Rob Keffer, Coun. Peter Ferragine and two of the association's founders, Jeanny Salmon and Rita Lo Giudice.
"Usually we would have a lot of people who would come," said Salmon, noting the members of the association have grown since it started 10 years ago.
She thanked the mayor and Coun. Ferragine for taking the time to recognize an important day for the Italian community.
"It's important to me and to our heritage that we get to do this, so thank you to the town for allowing us to do this," said Salmon.
The mayor read out the proclamation:
WHEREAS:
FestadellaRepubblica is celebrated in Italy on the second day of June each year. This day commemorates the institutional referendum held by universal suffrage in 1946, in which the Italian people were called to the polls to decide on the form of government, following the Second World War and the fall of Fascism; and
WHEREAS:
Bradford West Gwillimbury residents of the Italian community respect the differences of others and are a culture who respect freedom and rights of all; and
WHEREAS:
In celebrating this significant holiday, the Italian community provides the residents with an opportunity to experience democracy and freedom.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That His Worship Mayor Rob Keffer and Members of Council proclaim June 2, 2020 as FESTA DELLA REPUBBLICA in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
