PROVIDENCE, RI – The sounds of traditional Italian songs echoed inside the halls of Providence City Hall Tuesday, when Mayor Angel Taveras hosted the city's annual Saint Joseph's Day celebration. The ceremony honoring Italian heritage and culture was held on the second and third floors of City Hall.

In his address, Mayor Taveras recognized the contributions of the many Italian Americans who have been part of the rich history of Providence and the nation.

"Today we pause to recognize and celebrate the generations of Italian American immigrants who came to our shores in search of a better life," Mayor Taveras said. "Wherever Italian immigrants settled in America, and perhaps nowhere more so than here in Providence, they championed the values of hard work, faith and family that would be carried on for generations to come."

Armand E. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer of the Laborers' International Union of North America, was the keynote speaker of the program. Rev. Dean Perri of the Catholic Diocese of Providence delivered the invocation and benediction. Local accordionist Bill Moretti and singer Domenic DePasquale shared traditional Italian musical performances.