39th Columbus Day Festival: John A. Cianci, veterans writer for RINewsToday, Grand Marshall

The 39th Annual Columbus Day Festival on historic Federal Hill from October 11th – 14th, 2024. This year’s opening ceremony will take place at 12 pm on Saturday, October 12th at the DePasquale Plaza stage. This year our honorees are: Grand Marshall – John Cianci Italian American War Veterans of the US, Vincent A Cianci Jr Civic Award – Dave Mambro Superintendent Sewer Division City of Providence, Legacy Award – Bob Antignano – Angelo’s Civita  Farnese and Federal Hill Foodie Ambassador – Lupe Aguilar – Rhody Foody

We are proud to announce that John A. Cianci, our Veterans Writer, has been named Grand Marshall. John says… “The Hill is part of my life. During my assignments in combat, Desert Shield/ Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, I dreamed of sitting in Angelos, eating macaroni and enjoying the Italian bread. Being blessed, both times I returned home safely and my first stop was to go to Angelos,” said Cianci. “I’m able to recall the earliest days of my life sitting there, looking up at the train track, and remembering how life was so simple one time. Recalling those days, the stress would be ‘would I order ravioli or macaroni, and maybe score big being allowed to order meatballs and french fries with my macaroni.'”

Cianci averages 50-60 hours volunteering to assist veterans. 

On each and every FIRST Monday of the month, Cianci hosts the Federal Hill Veterans Coffee House at ROMA from 9:00 am to 11:00. All veterans and their guests are invited. 

“ROMA’s staff spoils us, bringing out Italian toast, cappuccinos, espressos, coffee, Italian pastries, calzones and pizza.” said Cianci. ” We just join 3-4 tables and sit around, enjoying the camaraderie of each other, along with traditional Italian drinks and food provided by ROMA.”

Looking back, Cianci glows telling RINEWSTODAY about ITAM’s last year events he organized: taking WWII veterans to the Army – Navy Game at Gillette, hiring a limousine to take over a dozen Vietnam Veterans to a Vietnam Commemorative event hosted by the Kraft family at Gillette Stadium, hosting FREE Thanksgiving Dinner for veterans and their guest at Perella’s Ristorante on THANKSGIVING, hosting Victory Day celebration at 2 location on each side of the bridge, Perella’s Ristorante and Dan’s Place, 10 FREE Veteran luncheons at VFW in Tiverton, monthly visits to meet up with veterans at long term care facilities in RI, and other events throughout the state of RI and MA. 

Of all his accomplishments, none are more meaningful than when he gets a call from a veteran or widow of a deceased veteran telling him of a notice of a favorable decision granting them the VA benefit he or she applied for.

“Just last week, I received a call from a veteran who was panicking; he has just received 2 checks, 1 for a little under $50K and the other almost $2K from the VA,” said Cianci.” I explained to him, the bottom of the check should read VA retroactive.” He confirmed the writing on the check.

“I explained to him, your case has been approved, and now, the rest of your life you will be compensated by the VA for almost $3,000 a month, tax free. You earned it, and are entitled to it,’ said Cianci.

The veteran had been discharged over 15 years ago, and had no idea he was entitled to VA benefits until he met Cianci at a Dunkin Donuts, and Cianci insisted he call him.

“Doing more good things for good people, my Mom told my siblings and me as she was losing her battle with cancer.” said Cianci.” I focus in on the good people who have served our country, and while serving, willing to give up their lives for our freedom.” Often called “God’s work”, Cianci’s commitment to veterans and families in his eyes is his continued service to his brothers and sisters he has been honored to have served with. 

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Festivities this weekend!

The festival takes place from Dean Street to Sutton Street along Atwells Avenue. We are excited to welcome back and feature the La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage located at America Street and Atwells Avenue. Enjoy over 80 food, art and retail vendors along with games, and amusement rides. Listen to live entertainment on three different stages throughout the festival grounds. Experience the flavors of over 26 Federal Hill restaurants that offer expanded seating as well as feature special menu items for the weekend.

The festival date and times are:

• Friday, October 11th at 5 pm until midnight.
• Saturday to Sunday, October 12th ⁠–⁠ 13th 11 am ⁠–⁠ midnight. Monday, October 14th 11 am ⁠–⁠ 8 pm.

Columbus Day Parade

The Columbus Day Parade is Sunday, October 13th at 11am  The parade route is from Harris Avenue to Dean Street along Atwells Avenue. This entire area will be closed to vehicle traffic during the time of the parade from 10am – 1pm.

Go on the Columbus Day website for all the details – https://federalhillprov.com/festivals/columbus-day-weekend-festival/

Read John A. Cianci’s weekly Veterans’ column, “RI Veterans: Did you know?”, here, every Thursday. See John’s past columns, HERE!