The biennial Convention of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America is currently taking place in Tampa, Florida, from August 16th to 19th. This year, for the first time in over 100 years of existence of this organization, a delegation of representatives from Italian chapters has participated in the event, adding a significant contribution from the motherland to the celebration of Italian-American cultural heritage.

The intervention of the Italian delegations was opened by Carmelo Cutuli, founder of the first Italian Chapter of OSDIA in Rome in 2019. President Robert A. Bianchi gave Cutuli the floor, connected via video conference from Italy, to update the council on the development situation in Italy: "I am pleased to announce that there are currently 3 local chapters operating in Italy, with a total of about 90 members.

This heritage is growing stronger, and we will soon expand our presence further in Northern Italy. Achieving these results has not been an easy task, but I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the new line of Italian leadership that is emerging within OSDIA. Their dedication and hard work have contributed to the current success, representing a solid guarantee for the future of our organization in Italy. Now you can finally consider us as the Italian branch of your family, and we will do the same with you!"

Next, Tiberio Mantia, president of the Palermo Chapter named after Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, took the floor, presenting some members connected via video conference from Palermo. Mantia enthusiastically announced the sponsorship of a national "6-a-side football" team and the latest initiatives of the Sicilian Chapter, including the organization, in December 2023, of the "Pride of Made in Italy" Award, dedicated to Italian excellences in the United States.

At the end of the speeches, Patrizia Berardi, the elected President of the new OSDIA chapter "Pantheon" in Rome, announced that the Chapter is about to launch some important initiatives in the artistic and cultural field, with a focus on Italian-American culture, history, and traditions. These initiatives aim to promote greater awareness of Italian-American heritage and enrich the intercultural dialogue between Italy and the United States. The "Pantheon" Chapter of Rome also sent its greetings, through video conference, from Paolo Internicola, an Italian-American entrepreneur residing in Virginia and the general manager of PastaNoodles, a product well-known and appreciated by the Italian-American community.

The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) is the oldest and most established organization supporting the Italian-American community, founded in 1905 by Sicilian physician Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro. OSDIA is committed to preserving and promoting Italian culture, history, and traditions through educational programs, charitable initiatives, and community activities.