The Italian American community in Chicago came together to celebrate their heritage with the 72nd annual Columbus Day Parade. The day began with a mass at The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, followed by a poignant procession in Arrigo Park, where a wreath-laying ceremony honored Italian American war veterans.  

The grand parade stepped off around noon on the corner of State Street and Wacker Drive, winding its way south to Van Buren Street. The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) invited all to join in the festivities and state street was lined with people. The theme of this year's parade was, "Bridging gaps, celebrating our heritage and protecting our culture."