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PELOSI -- Statement on 150th Anniversary of Italy's UnificationMar 17, 2011 (Congressional Documents and Publications/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- News From the Democratic Leader March 17, 2011 Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616 Pelosi Statement on 150th Anniversary of Italy's Unification Washington, D.C. - Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification: "On the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification, we celebrate the birth of modern Italy and the brave patriots who made this possible. At a time when the United States was in the midst of civil war, 'il Risorgimento' brought together the Italian peninsula. "Today, we also honor the ties between the United States and Italy: America is a land discovered by an Italian, named for an Italian, and built by millions of Italian Americans. Our shared history and culture only serve to strengthen the U.S.--Italy alliance in this new century. The Italian-American community means there are literally millions of bridges between our two nations. "50 years ago, President Kennedy marked the 100th anniversary of Italian Unification with this thought: 'All of us, in a large sense, are beneficiaries of the Italian experience. The Risorgimento which gave birth to modern Italy...was the re-awakening of the most deeply-held ideals of Western civilization: the desire for freedom, for protection of the rights of the individual.' "I'm so proud that President Barack Obama issued a presidential proclamation honoring the 150th anniversary of Italian Unification, noting, 'On this day, we join with Italians everywhere to honor the courage, sacrifice, and vision of the patriots who gave birth to the Italian nation.' Today, we echo this message and honor the ties between the United States and Italy." [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] |