Italian Americans celebrating their heritage.
The Order Sons Of Italy is America (OSAI) is the largest and oldest national organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States. OSIA was founded in 1905 to support immigrants from Italy. The ODSIA National website is https://www.osdia.org.
Royal Gorge Lodge #2866 was founded in October 2010 in Fremont County, Colorado by John Carochi, John Rigirozzi and Bill Scutti.
HISTORY
Originally called "Figli d'Italia," the Order Sons of Italy in America® was established in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City on June 22, 1905, by Vincenzo Sellaro, M.D., and five other Italian immigrants who came to the United States during the great Italian migration (1880-1923). Their aim was to create a support system for all Italian immigrants that would assist them with becoming U.S. citizens, provide health/death benefits and educational opportunities and offer assistance with assimilation in America.
Highlights in OSIA's history:
In its early years, OSIA established free schools to teach immigrants English and centers to help them become U.S. citizens.
The first OSIA lodges established orphanages and homes for the elderly, life insurance and mortuary funds, credit unions, welfare societies and scholarship funds to aid members in need.
During World Wars I and II, OSIA members bought war bonds and war stamps to support the war effort, and lodges competed with each other to contribute the most money to the Red Cross.
In World War II, the OSIA Supreme Council (national officers) issued a resolution urging members to donate one day's salary to the national defense.
To date, OSIA members have given nearly $117 Million to educational programs, disaster relief, cultural advancement and medical research.
Information referenced from: osdia.org
