OUR SECOND IAA ANNUAL MEETING WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!

The Italian American Alliance held its 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 29 at the Sons and Daughters of Italy Hall in Watertown, and it was nothing short of a triumph. The event brought together members, friends, and supporters for a powerful evening celebrating Italian heritage, American unity, and shared cultural values.

The evening featured heartfelt remarks from the IAA Board, reflections on the Alliance’s growth, and a renewed call to continue promoting and protecting Italian American history and identity. The packed hall was filled with energy, pride, and a shared sense of purpose.

Our guest speaker, Mark OneWolf Yancey, was excellent. A member of the Chihene N'de (Red Paint People) of the Apache Nation and an associate board member of the Native American Guardian Association (NAGA), Yancey delivered a moving and thought-provoking presentation. He urged us to focus on the things that bring us together as Americans, including the amazing accomplishments of Christopher Columbus. His message of unity through understanding was heartfelt and warmly received.

We were also honored by the presence of State Representative Jeff Turco and IAA Connecticut Chapter President Matt Guarnieri. Their words reinforced the importance of standing together to defend our heritage.

The Italian American Alliance, now stronger than ever, continues its mission to defend the legacy of Christopher Columbus and to preserve and promote Italian heritage through education, outreach, and cultural engagement.

It was a pleasure connecting with so many friends and supporters. The turnout and enthusiasm at this year’s meeting proved that the Italian American spirit is alive and well—and more determined than ever to stand tall in the face of cultural erasure.