Photo credit: Courtesy of NIAF
Italian Ambassador Claudio Bisognero was welcomed by the U.S. Representatives of the Italian American Congressional Delegation of the 113th Congress.
“2013 is the Year of Italian Culture in the United States,” said President of NIAF Joseph Del Raso who introduced Bisognero and also referred to it as not a year but the “Millennium of Italian Culture.”
Ambassador Bisognero and Joseph Del Raso
Congressman Bill Pascrell opened the reception explaining how this delegation works in a bipartisan way to “honor our government and common heritage as well as draw attention to Italian heroes — Garibaldi, Brumidi and every Italian American who has contributed to the greatness of our country.”
Joining Pascrell at the podium, co-chair of the delegation Representative Patrick Tiberi joked about the large representation of members from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island and noted that Pascrell was the lone congressman from New Jersey. Tiberi then recounted a story about his nine-year-old daughter Angelina who was working on a report for school when she realized how Italians have done so much for America.
“We share a common culture that binds us—let’s celebrate what connects us tonight. We are so fortunate to have Ambassador Claudio Bisognero here with us tonight to help us strengthen our relationship with Italy,” Tiberi said. He encouraged everyone to get closer to Italy since the Italian people are facing difficult times. “When we help our mother country, we help our country,” he added.
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi recounted a recent reception at the White House when President Obama warmly greeted Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano. “It’s all about personal relationships and respect we have for each other,” she said while thanking NIAF for their work in bringing everyone together.
