Photo & video credit: Janet Donovan
The best address in Washington is 2800 Albemarle Street – that would be “Villa Firenze,” the residence of The Italian Ambassador to the U.S. Claudio Bisogniero and his wife Laura who not only graciously host elegant soirees but do so with an abundance of warmth and charm. Such was the case on May 22nd.
Rep. William Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) and Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH), who co-chair the Italian Caucus in the Congress, were conferred the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy in a ceremony officiated by Ambassador Bisogniero.
The two Congressmen’s contributions are distinguished by their consummate dedication and constancy to strengthening the relations at all levels between Italy and the United States.
Rep. William Pascrell, Jr. and Rep. Patrick Tiberi (L)
Photo courtesy of The Italian Embassy
So what exactly is the Order of Merit and who determines the recepients?
“The decoration that we are presenting tonight,” explained Counselor Cristiano Maggipinto, “is the Order of Merit of The Italian Republic and it is bestowed by the President of the Italian Republic to people Italian or non Italian who have strenthened the relations between Italy and their country; who have promoted Italian culture; who have done something that I would say – something important for Italy or in the relations for their country in which they are citizens and Italy.” Maggipinto urges you to visit the website, so brush up on your Italian. We’re on it…..
Laura and Claudio Bisogniero with Brig. Gen. Alphonse Stephenson
“Tonight’s receipents were chosen because they are the chairs of the Italian-American Caucus,” he continued. “There are proposals that are made and there are proposals made by the Embassy, for example. In their case, we made the proposal. They have been instrumental in strenthening the relations between Italy and The United States.”
Pino and Melo Cicala
The Ceremony:
One on One with Ambassador Bisogniero on the Year of Italian Culture:
