October 9th, 2003 was truly an historic day for Hamilton's Italian American residents. As the kickoff to the Columbus Day weekend, the township held it's first ever ceremonial Italian flag raising to pay tribute the the vast contribution Italian Americans have made to our great nation. Our own OSIA President, Maria Abbamonte was honored in having been chosen by Hamilton Mayor Glen D. Gilmore to organize and Emcee the event.  Speakers included Mayor Gilmore, Italian Consulate Gilda Rorro Baldisarri, Mercer County Festival Association founder John Scarpati and 2nd OSIA State Vice President Tom Bergbauer.  John also brought along participants in customary Italian garb to accent the event. Tears filled the eyes of life long Hamilton residents as they observed the Mayor and Maria raise the flag over the Hamilton Municipal Building. The event ended with the Mayor indicating his intention to have the ceremony become an annual Columbus Day event in Hamilton!