ABC 7 Special: Columbus Day Celebration highlights Italian-American heritage
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- WABC-TV celebrated Italian-American heritage on Monday with an ABC 7 New York special in commemoration of Columbus Day.
Because of the nor'easter and state of emergency, the 81st Annual Columbus Day parade in New York City was cancelled.
Eyewitness News anchors Mike Marza and Sandra Bookman anchored our Columbus Day special. Actor, comedian and podcaster Joe Piscopo also joined the festivities.
The special highlights some of the Italian Americans who were going to be honored at the parade.
Among the highlights include a profile of this year's grand marshal, former Head Football Coach Joe Moglia, as well as this year's three distinguished honorees who have made lifelong contributions to the Italian American community.
This year also marks the 550th anniversary of Michelangelo's birth. We'll learn about how the Italian art master's influence is felt in New York even today.
Also on our program: Meet the remarkable 104-year-old World War II Veteran Dominick Critelli.
We also get a sneak peek of the Italian American Museum of New York, set to open on Mulberry Street in the Spring of 2026.
This year's Columbus Day celebration is dedicated to Alfred M. Catalanotto, the former Columbus Citizens Foundation Secretary and Parade Chairman.
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