Westchester County Raises Italian Flag at White Plains Ceremony

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins hosted the annual Italian Heritage Month flag-raising ceremony at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains. The event took place on October 27, 2026, bringing together local leaders and members of the Italian-American community. The gathering served as the county's official recognition of the group's historical role in shaping local business, education, and government.

The ceremony began with the raising of the Italian flag. Following the flag-raising, attendees moved into the County Executive’s office for a reception. The program is designed to honor the specific contributions made by Italian-Americans over several generations. It also provides a setting for families to discuss values and traditions passed down from older relatives to younger ones.

Jenkins stated that the Italian-American community has played an important role in the history and growth of Westchester County. He noted that generations of families have built businesses, raised families, and helped strengthen the neighborhoods in the area. "Italian Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to recognize those contributions and celebrate the traditions and strong sense of community that remain such an important part of Westchester," Jenkins said.

Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald emphasized that the month allows for the recognition of the many ways Italian-Americans have helped make Westchester County what it is today. She described the celebration as a chance to honor traditions and thank Italian-American neighbors for their continued contributions. "This celebration is about recognizing that history, honoring the traditions that have been passed down and thanking our Italian-American neighbors for all they continue to contribute to Westchester," McDonald said.

County Attorney John Nonna focused on the sacrifices made by earlier generations. He explained that many parents and grandparents came to the country seeking opportunity and worked to provide a better future for their children. Nonna said these families brought a deep appreciation for family and community. "Those values remain with us today, and it is important that we continue to share that history with younger generations," Nonna said.

Mara Persampieri, president of the Westchester Coalition of Italian American Organizations, expressed pride in the community’s traditions and contributions. She highlighted the goal of encouraging younger generations to learn about their roots by studying the Italian language and culture. Persampieri thanked County Executive Jenkins and Westchester County for maintaining the annual tradition.

Italian Heritage Month is observed each October across the United States. The month-long period recognizes the history, culture, and achievements of Italian-Americans. Westchester County's flag-raising ceremony and reception continue a longstanding tradition of bringing the community together to celebrate this heritage.