LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Duca
Degli Abruzzi Lodge No. 443, Order Sons of Italy in America

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge No.443,
Order Sons of Italy in America, Endicott, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) encourages the
maintenance of Italian culture and language, as well as assimilation
into American social and political life; it has sponsored a wide variety
of programs in furtherance of its mission, as well as countless Italian
heritage events; and
WHEREAS, The Order Sons of Italy in America was established in New
York City on June 22, 1905, by Vincenzo Sellara, M.D., and a small group
of other professionals; for almost 109 years, the Order Sons of Italy
and its many local lodges have been of service to the Italian American
community throughout New York State and the Nation; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1915, the Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge was built on
the original Order Sons of Italy in America principles of liberty,
equality and fraternity; and
WHEREAS, A pillar of the north side of Endicott, the Duca Degli Abruz-
zi Lodge has served the community as a social hall, polling place, venue
for charitable events, and even a school gymnasium during its long and
distinguished history; and
WHEREAS, Today, this vital organization supports many charitable
endeavors, including such worthy causes as the Alzheimer's Association,
Cooley's Anemia Foundation, and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for
Autism, as well as numerous local school programs, and youth sports
teams; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to the community, the Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge
also grants substantial funds annually for scholarships to deserving
students; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous guidance of President Pat Cerra, the Duca
Degli Abruzzi Lodge will continue to serve the community and express
Italian cultural pride for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeav-
ors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge No.
443, Order Sons of Italy in America; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pat Cerra, President, Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge No. 443, Order
Sons of Italy in America.