Let us remember what it means to be American of Italian heritage on Columbus Day, Oct. 8. This is the time to recognize the many people of Italian descent who have contributed to our community as public servants, community service and volunteers, for example, in the ranks of police, fire, city, state and federal government. There are many professionals in the spheres of health care, law and education, the arts and architecture, commerce, innovation, business and the food industry.

Many civic organizations like CIAO, UNICO, the Sons and Daughters of Italy and the Italian American Club promote public education, citizenship, community service and sportsmanship like scholarships to high school students, the Berkshire County Soccer Hall of Fame for high school and collegiate athletes and the annual La Festa Teen Exchange, which is the oldest youth baseball exchange east of the Mississippi, and UNICO's Taste of Italy the second Monday in October.