[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 109 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ST. ANN'S ITALIAN FESTIVAL

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                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2010

  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 100th 
anniversary of the St. Ann's Italian festival in Hoboken, New Jersey. 
This is a momentous occasion for the city of Hoboken and St. Ann's 
Parish, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this moving and 
historically important event. This festival not only celebrates the 
Hoboken community but also the dynamic Italian heritage and culture 
that has shaped this great city. I am proud of the history of St. Ann's 
society and festival that was originally established to preserve the 
customs, heritage, and faith of a group of courageous immigrants from 
the small town of Monte San Giacomo. Many of these immigrants traveled 
to New Jersey, a new land with a strange language and customs to seek 
better opportunities. Bonded by the traditions of their homeland and 
desire to preserve these customs they created the St. Ann's Society. In 
later years with perseverance and dedication the society was able to 
raise enough money to establish the St. Ann's Church on the corner of 
Seventh and Jefferson in Hoboken. This festival is a celebration of 
these bold individuals and their devotion in preserving their cherished 
traditions.
  Since the first festival in 1910, it has grown in participants and 
festivities, again showing the joyful and powerful energy this festival 
draws from inside and outside of the community. It now features all 
types of Italian cuisine, including the famous ``zeppole'' made from a 
secret recipe that has been faithfully guarded by the members of the 
St. Ann's Society, and operatic music and singers. The most important 
aspect of this festival, that has been preserved year after year, is 
the procession of the statue of St. Ann and a framed picture of San 
Giacomo, put on display to honor the memory of the St. Ann Society 
descendents and to preserve their cherished faith and traditions. I 
know this year's festival will continue to memorialize all the 
wonderful things this festival has come to represent. I congratulate 
the St. Ann's society and parish on 100 years of successful festivals.

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