Photo credit: Courtesy of the Italian Embassy
“Just last week on Memorial Day, Prime Minister Renzi chose to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World Word II by honoring the American cemetery near Florence – the resting place for thousands of US soldiers who fought for the liberation of Italy. He reminded us that ‘Italy will never forget its debt of gratitude to the United States, our sister nation and strongest ally.’ And we definitely won’t.” said Claudio Bisogniero, The Ambassador of Italy, on Italian National Day at the Embassy. “So, let us celebrate this day together, in friendship and happiness. Grazie a tutti, and a happy Italian National Day!”
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and Laura Denise Bisogniero
“On June 2nd, 1946 Italians freely chose to adopt a Republic over monarchy. At the time, the “Founding fathers” of our Republic entertained high hopes that this form of government would help Italy and its economy to recover from a disastrous conflict – the second World War,” Amb. Bisogniero added. “And they were right. Let me recall that 2015 also marks the 100th anniversary of Italy’s entry into World War I, which completed the Risorgimento, the process of Italian unification.Italy – a founding member of the European Union and of NATO – and member of the G7, continues to proudly stand with today’s leading countries. With our cultural influence, economic strength and strong commitment to international security, we contribute to a better future for our world. Italy has long enjoyed a deep friendship and strong alliance with the United States. Prime Minister Renzi’s recent visit – and his extended, productive talks with President Obama – were proof of this bond. A bond that is founded upon our shared values: freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. Our common values are also the foundation of our dynamic transatlantic economic and financial bonds. With the “Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership-TTIP” (a win-win free trade Agreement for both Europe and the U.S.) we aim to promote growth and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero
We’re pretty sure the win-win trade agreement is going just fine, especially for auto collector Jay Leno shown here in his vintage Lamborghini.
Comedian and late night talk show host Jay Leno
Another win-win is “EXPO Milan 2015” – the major world fair, that opened its doors on May 1st. Over six months, it is expected to attract over 20 million international visitors. Centered on the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” EXPO focuses on the challenges of nutrition which affect us all. By visiting EXPO, visitors can travel around the world without leaving Milan, sample food and traditions from 140 countries, and admire sustainable food and nutrition technologies. “We are also very, very pleased that the United States has its own state-of-the-art pavilion at the Milan EXPO: “United to Feed the Planet” – what a wonderful name, and mission!,” said Bisogniero. “I am sure that many among our American friends – together with Americans of Italian descent (who number over 25 million!) and the 200,000 Italians who live in the US – will travel to Milan for this exciting opportunity.”
“Today we celebrate Italy’s National Day and the establishment, 69 years ago, of the Italian Republic. This is also the first year that Italian President Sergio Mattarella (who took over last February from now life-Senator Giorgio Napolitano), celebrates this special day. As President Mattarella said, the National Day is “the birthday of the Republic, a day on which we celebrate the revival of freedom and democracy, and we also commemorate the first time Italian women could vote.” Claudio Bisogniero. Benvenuti!
