Bergen County Executive, Kathleen A. Donovan and the Board of Chosen Freeholders presented an Italian Flag Raising ceremony at the Bergen County Administration Building in Hackensack Friday as a kick-off to celebrating October as Italian-American Heritage month. It was also in celebration of the fifth annual Columbus Day Parade of North Jersey that will take place Sunday, Sept. 30.

The keynote speaker was Clelia Di Rienzo, Consular Agent at the Italian Consulate in Newark. Di Rienzo told the crowd that the raising of the Italian flag was an important tradition in honoring those forefathers who ensured their descendants a better life.  

Di Rienzo noted that 2013 has been dedicated to celebrating Italian culture in the United States as a means to strengthen the bond between Italy and the United States.

Ashley Hernandez from Hackensack High School's Italian Club sang the National Anthem and the Pascack Valley High School Chamber Choir, conducted by Argine Safari, sang the Italian National Anthem.

Sunday's parade begins at noon and ends with a small festival on the Green across from the courthouse.