Honorable members of the Italian Parliament and the US Congress, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you, Joe, for your kind introduction. Let me begin by extending a special thank you to all the NIAF board, the organizers of this extraordinary, and in many ways, innovative event. My sincere gratitude goes particularly to Chairman Jerry Colangelo, to President Del Raso, Secretary John Calvelli and Executive Director John Marino. We are also most honored to have with us tonight the former President of the Italian Senate, Senator Marcello Pera, and the Italian Chamber of Deputies Majority leader, The Honorable Fabrizio Cicchitto. For many years this gala, so rich in political and cultural contents, has been indeed a 1
symbol in the history of Italians in America; a welcome opportunity to underscore the depth and vigor of the friendship which bonds Italy and the United States. I am delighted to convey the warm and sincere greetings of the President of the Republic of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, as well as Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi s sentiments of great appreciation for NIAF s contribution to the exceptional relationship between our two countries. We can indeed speak of a National Italian American Foundation perfectly suited to the opportunities of the 21 st century. A NIAF which is increasingly active in promoting cooperation between the US and Italy in the fields of science, research, renewable sources of energy, biotechnologies and in all areas of economic cooperation. Upon entering this beautiful Hall you undoubtedly noticed a tricolored symbol, and an important logo: 150 years. 2
There could not be a better place to celebrate the hundred and fiftieth Anniversary of the Unification of Italy than the United States of America: history, friendship, shared ideals and values and the dignity of Man are hallmarks of both our nations history. This is why President Napolitano has granted his Auspices to all the most important cultural and significant events which this year have become part of the celebrations for Italy s Unification. The values which the Italian Risorgimento upheld, are embedded in my Country s national identity. They are keenly felt by all Italians in America. 3
A French historian, Jacques Le Goff, wrote that the history of Italians, from the times of the Republic and the Roman Empire, through the Middle Ages, the Papacy, the splendors of the Renaissance and the Baroque, has been so great, so unique and unrepeatable as to arouse, at times, perhaps even ambivalent feelings in our collective conscience: emulation, pride but possibly a sense of inadequacy in reawakening the dreams of past achievements. History, in this sense, brings a heavy legacy with it: this was shown in the first half of the nineteenth century, with Gioberti s dreams and Mazzini s struggle to free Italy from foreign occupation and to make it our country. Before Italy became one, what created our national conscience was the knowledge that we are one people, rich in a common culture and endowed with a common language. 4
Music, architecture, science and the figurative arts; these are not the only factors that make Italy a great cultural power. This is not only what Italy has given, through its communities, to make America great, or yet the reason of Italy s preeminence over other countries in its cultural contribution to the world. Italy is a great cultural power first and foremost because of its language. The Italian people s collective conscience was born, took root and continues to assert itself through Italy s countless literary masterpieces. A vivid, dynamic language, rich in tradition, yet at the same time one which is projected towards the future, with enormous potential of being increasingly important in today s global world. 5
Upon taking office in Washington, it was Prime Minister Berlusconi and Foreign Minister Frattini who encouraged me to abet the diffusion of the Italian language in the United States in all ways. The Italian government has been extremely active in these months in supporting this goal, both on a financial and on a political level. This evening we have the living proof that, thanks to all those present, to President Del Raso, to the Board of this Association, NIAF is more vigorously than ever projected to the future, to promoting education, science and culture. The teaching of the Italian language is pivotal in this program and has been made possible thanks to the great generosity, displayed by NIAF as a whole and in close partnership with the Italian American Organizations, individuals and Italian corporate donors. 6
Let me thank all those who contributed to this joint endeavor. A veritable team-effort which proves Italian-Americans strong leadership, guided by the Conference of the Presidents of Major Italian-American Organizations. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to the many institutes and groups which have given their strong support to this worthy cause: NIAF, Columbus Citizens Foundation, the Order of the Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), the Italian Language Foundation (ILF), the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit, the American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI), UNICO, the Italian Welfare League and Copilas. A very generous and personal donation was made by former Congressman and NIAF Chairman, our great friend Frank Guarini; many important Italian corporations contributed too: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), ENI, FIAT, Unicredit, Luxottica and Finmeccanica. 7
The Italian-American family is proving how essential it is in contributing to the image and prestige of Italy in the United States. It is precisely thanks to NIAF, to all Italian-American organizations and to the Italian-American community that the Italian language has increased its presence throughout America over the past few years. I know how much all of you love Italy: you have proved this once again by helping us to win this challenge. I also know full well that the United States has always been Italy s greatest friend especially thanks to YOU. For this reason, and from the very bottom of my heart, let me say grazie. 8