State Rep. Joe Aragona welcomed Italian Americans to the state Capitol building in Lansing last week.

For more than 25 years, Italian Americans from Macomb County have made an annual visit to the Michigan Capitol to celebrate Christopher Columbus Day, and that tradition continued on Wednesday, Oct. 8 with the Ramo Salerno Italian American Heritage Trip to Lansing.

The day began with a bus trip from the Italian Cultural Center followed by a brief ceremony, lunch, and tour of the historic building.

Aragona, R-Clinton Township, led the tour, which included a stop on the floor of the Michigan House of Representatives, which is not typically open to the public. He also presented awards recognizing individuals who exemplify the values of hard work, family, and community that define the Italian American spirit.

Aragona is himself an Italian American.

“I’m proud of my family’s Italian heritage, and I’m proud of how Italian Americans helped build this country,” Aragona said.

On Monday, Aragona sent a letter to President Trump to thank him for once again recognizing Columbus Day. In the letter, Aragona wrote “I am writing to express my gratitude and appreciation for your leadership and commitment to reestablishing Columbus Day throughout our nation. These efforts ensure Italian Americans can continue to celebrate our contributions without facing undue distortion of our heritage.”

Aragona also expressed in the letter that he is frustrated by how Democrats have unfairly denounced the day, and how last term they blocked his resolution to formally recognize October as Italian American month in Michigan. Aragona said that he expects the House will vote on a resolution later this month to once again recognize Columbus and honor the contributions of Italian Americans.