In a vibrant display of Italian-American heritage, members of the Brooklyn legal community participated in the 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan this Monday. 

The annual event takes place every October, which is Italian-American Heritage Month, and celebrates the contributions of Italian-Americans to the United States, including in law and governance.

Organized by the Confederation of Columbian Lawyers Associations, the parade included groups from all five boroughs as well as Westchester, and Suffolk and Nassau counties. This year’s event was notably attended by former Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

The parade route commenced at 44th Street and proceeded north to 72nd Street. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams also marched.

The parade’s grand marshal this year was Beth Paretta, CEO and team principal of Paretta Autosport. Additional honorees included Don DeCarlo, a long-standing member of the Columbus Citizens Foundation; Retired Justice Janet DiFiore; and Father Zach Presutti, founder of Thrive for Life.

The event kicked off with a Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan. The Columbus Citizens Foundation, which also participated in the parade, has awarded more than $36 million in scholarships to students since its inception.

This year’s parade showcased the strong ties of family, hard work and heritage that Italian-Americans value. For many, the parade was more than a celebration; it was a statement about the enduring influence of Italian culture and contribution in American society.