
BY: We the Italians Editorial Staff
In a heartfelt ceremony Friday, the city of Wickliffe (OH) celebrated its deep Italian American heritage by planting a tree dedicated to generations of Italian families who shaped the community. The event, held at Coulby Park, brought together civic leaders, descendants of early immigrants, and members of the local Italian-American Club.
Mayor Joe Sakacs spoke about the enduring impact of Wickliffe’s Italian American residents. “They laid the cultural and social foundations of our city,” he said, noting how these families contributed to Wickliffe’s growth through businesses, civic service, and community-building. Many in the crowd represented families from Campania, Calabria, Sicily, and Abruzzo—regions that sent waves of immigrants to the area in the early 20th century.
The tree—an Italian oak—was chosen both for its symbolic nod to the homeland and its resilience. A plaque at its base reads: “In honor of Wickliffe’s Italian-American pioneers: their spirit rooted and forever growing here.”
Representatives from the Italian American Club, which has hosted bocce tournaments, cultural festivals, and language classes for almost a century, shared memories of past gatherings held on the same site. One club member recalled summer bocce matches where “competition was fierce, but the laughter and camaraderie spoke louder than any score.”
Local council members emphasized how such initiatives not only preserve history but also educate younger generations about Wickliffe’s multicultural identity. This tree is more than a memorial. It’s a living monument to the values of family, hard work, and cultural pride.
After the formal remarks, attendees—including grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the original settlers—helped shovel soil around the newly planted sapling. Flutes of Italian wine were shared, and homemade biscotti were offered, reinforcing a sense of shared heritage and community.
The event concluded with plans for annual celebrations at the site—each July, a small gathering will return to the tree to honor past and present Italian American residents.
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