|
Ciao Brothers and Sisters,
The Grand Lodge of Maryland held its 55th Biennial Convention on June 28th, 2025, where we hosted two special guests: National Vice Presidents Mark DeNunzio (3rd VP) and Frank Gattuso (5th VP). Brother DeNunzio presented the following - which will give you some insight as to what we do and who we are as a fraternal organization and membership benefits. Some of you may not know exactly what OSDIA does, so I hope you’ll find this enlightening. Because we do good things! This overview is what OSDIA has done and continues to do ...
The Order of Sons & Daughters of Italy in America has been in existence for 120 years, founded by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro in 1905, for the sole purpose of helping the many Italian immigrants adjust to a new country - America. He found housing, jobs, schooling to learn English, and helped them to learn about their new world.
We begin with advocacy. The Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) is OSDIA’s anti-defamation arm, fighting tirelessly to protect and celebrate Italian-American culture. CSJ is at the forefront in efforts to preserve Columbus Day, avoid further destruction of Columbus statues, and oppose television ads and movies which depict Italians unjustly, ensuring our history and culture is honored and accurately represented. We have seen positive movement on this initiative from the White House and look forward to future updates on the progress to reinstate the celebration of Christopher Columbus!
CSJ has been instrumental in securing an apology from the City of New Orleans for the tragic 1891 lynching of 11 innocent Italian immigrants – one of the darkest moments in history. In October 2024, New Orleans installed a plaque at the lynching site to honor those who lost their lives, ensuring their memory is preserved and respected.
Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) is deeply committed to philanthropy. It has provided millions of dollars in scholarships to deserving students. The Foundation also supports critical organizations such as Alzheimer’s Association, Cooley’s Anemia Foundation and the Flutie Foundation, among many other charities over the years, donating almost 200 million dollars. SIF has donated tens of millions of dollars to natural disaster relief efforts in Italy and the United States. The Order has funded medical research, historic preservation, and the restoration of national monuments, including the 911 Memorial in New York City.
Recently, the Supreme Lodge voted to make the Garibaldi Meucci Museum, owned and operated by SIF, the fourth recognized charity for OSDIA. The museum is in Staten Island, New York, the original home of Meucci and where Garibaldi resided for four years with the Meucci family before returning to Italy to fight in the war.
Tangible benefits of OSDIA membership
- Receive access to exclusive discounts and programs, including Italian classes, genealogy research to help obtain Italian citizenship, and travel discounts, to name a few. After the recent decree by the Italian government limiting the ability to obtain dual citizenship, OSDIA advocated on behalf of those trying to do so. OSDIA organized a webinar featuring an Italian citizenship attorney from our lodge in Palermo, Italy - it was a huge success! (Did you know OSDIA is honored to have three established lodges in Italy?!)
- Members receive a quarterly copy of Italian America magazine, OSDIA’s official publication. It is an excellent magazine in which you will learn about other Italian-American communities and notable Italians across the country and the world. Very recently, OSDIA has refreshed its logo, bringing it up to the 21st century. And an attractive logo it is!
Finally, please visit our websites - both National's and Maryland's ... there is much to read and learn about OSDIA and its 11 local lodges. Let’s continue to preserve and celebrate our proud Italian-American heritage! I hope you have learned a bit more than you knew before about OSDIA, and might I add - be proud of it!
Grazie,
Anita Lombardi Riley
Immediate Past President
P.S. The Italian Relations & Culture Committee proudly announced the publication of its book, Italian Holiday Celebrations & Traditions of which Brother DeNunzio sold copies he brought to our convention. To purchase a copy for $20, call 410-668-6742.
| 
