On March 17, 2011, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi presented to the Ambassador of Italy, Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata, the Presidential Proclamation – 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy in the historic Mike Mansfield Room of the U.S. Capitol . President Barack Obama proclaimed March 17, 2011, as a day to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy and to honor the courage, sacrifice and vision of the patriots who founded the Italian nation.

Congressman Pat Tiberi, co-chairman of the Italian American Congressional Delegation of the 112th U.S. Congress, also presented Ambassador Terzi with the Congressional Proclamation honoring Italy and the legacy of Giuseppe Garibaldi. "We stand together, Italy and America, and enjoy a wonderful relationship with the people of Italy," said Tiberi, who was joined by Senator Mike Enzi and Senator Mary Landrieu, Congressman Michael G. Grimm and Congressman Chip Cravaack.

In his remarks, Ambassador Terzi recalled "how much the long-standing bonds between our Countries owe to the vast Italian-American community present in the United States. It has been, and remains, a pivotal component of all spheres of American society. The fact that Italy is a sincere and firm ally of the United States and that our relations are so privileged is certainly also thanks to you, and to the over 20 million Italian Americans who have played an essential role in forging, maintaining, and strengthening the friendship between our two countries. You embody that authentic 'Italian spirit' to which you so proudly lay claim. A spirit of attachment to family and traditions, pride in your heritage and in the culture of your ancestors."

Terzi added that , "The Italian American community can be proud of many things. Italy remains a privileged interlocutor of the United States, politically, economically, in trade, and from a socio-cultural perspective. In all operational scenarios of foreign policy, Italian contribution to maintaining peace and security continues to be greatly valued. " "March 17th thus marks not only a celebration of the Anniversary of the Unification of Italy but, above all, the steadfast and strong friendship between our countries and the common vision they continue to share to this day," concluded Terzi.

John F. Calvelli, NIAF secretary and a member of the Board, welcomed the guests to the private reception. He was joined by NIAF's leadership including Hon. Patricia de Stacy Harrison, a NIAF vice chair, Hon. Anita Bevacqua McBride, a member of board and Dr. John P. Rosa, NIAF executive vice president. Also attending were John Podesta, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, Anthony J. Principi, senior vice president of Pfizer Inc., Patricia Sarcone of Hewlett Packard, and NIAF council members and guests.

The Congressiona reception was organized at a National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

Pictured top, John Clavelli, Nancy Pelosi, Giulio Terzi, Pat Tiberi, Photo by Francesco isgro

24.03.11 | CiaoAmerica.net |