The Italian flag is now flying in Springfield for Italian Heritage Month. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and representatives from the Italian Cultural Center raised the flag during a ceremony at the Christopher Columbus Statue in the city's South End Monday. Sarno issued a proclamation saluting Italian Americans who helped make Springfield a better community.

"We are here at the Christopher Columbus statue for all our veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in wars across the world," Sarno said. "We are also proud of our heritage." The mayor called attention to Saturday's upcoming "Taste of Italy Food Fest," a longtime Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church tradition that will be held at the former Mount Carmel school building from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. this Saturday.