The annual trip began with Maria Stante bringing a group of Italians to the Capitol to visit Representative Laura Toy, and Ramo Salerno also attended at the Capitol as a guest performing with the Coro Italiano.

In 1999 Stante asked Salerno if he would like to join her in the endeavor. Since then, Salerno has spearheaded the Columbus Day Celebration in Lansing for the most part at his own expense. A few years back he joined the Columbus Day Celebration Committee and became part of the weeks' events. Since 2020 he has separated from the Committee and has continued on his own.

Along with all the planning involved in procuring two busloads of the Italian American community and a bus for the queens. Salerno also has received congressional proclamations for each year the celebration was held.

The group is annually accompanied by the Italian American Cultural Center’s Coro Italiano singers and instrumentalists.

For over 20 years, Ramo Salerno spearheaded the  Celebration in Lansing at his own expense. He received proclamations for each year the celebration was held.

In 2021 Cav. Ramo Salerno Passed away.

Since then Pamela White from the Italian Tribune newspaper and Ramo Salerno Jr. have continued his legacy