The City of Paterson honored Italian heritage Monday by raising the Italian flag at City Hall for Columbus Day.

Passaic County Commissioner Pat Lepore was also honored. He and his parents immigrated to Paterson from Italy in the 1950's.

"All Italians made a contribution to the City of Paterson. My mother worked in the mills down on Spruce Street while my father worked in Genelli's, and Lazzara's and Minardi's," Lepore recounted. "He was a master baker, well sought out. I am the person I am today because of my mom and dad."

Lepore's mother was one of thousands of Italian immigrants who came to Paterson to work in the town's silk mills.