On June 2nd, 1946, Italians expressed their preference, through the institutional referendum held by universal suffrage. Republic won over Monarchy, with about two million differential in the ballots.
70 years later, at the Petersen Automotive Museum (along the so-called “Museum Row”, on Wilshire Blvd.), Father Antonio Cacciapuoti, who last year celebrated his 25th Ordination Anniversary within L.A. Archdiocese, tried to summon the wandering flock, as he delivered a pious invocation, in commemoration of the Italian National Day.
Unfortunately, whenever there is food in the way, it’s too hard to resist the temptation. Especially if that food is catered by LA-based prime Chefs Drago brothers.
Mistress of Ceremonies Elisabetta Canalis – former showgirl and now actress – tried to catch the general attention and to get the ball rolling.
Soprano Elisabetta Russo – winner as “Best Female Vocal” for the song, Ah! Je veux vivre, at the 2011 Hollywood Music in Media Awards – performed a bluesy version of the Italian National Anthem (aka “Inno di Mameli”), accompanied by guitarist, Lorenzo Grassi.
In turn, President of Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West in L.A., Gino Gaudio sang out the USA National Anthem (aka “The Star-Spangled Banner”), and his rendition of the hymn – widely known for being very difficult to sing – drummed up an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Everyone had the chance to make a difference by chipping in the silent auction, sponsored by the non-profit Daybreak Children’s Rare Disease Fund (US branch of Fondazione Telethon Italia). The evening proceeds, in fact, are going to contribute to the major cause of fighting rare genetic syndromes, which today affect 30 million people, mostly children, in the States alone.
Consul General of Italy, Antonio Verde, kicked off his speech, by emphasizing the irony of the few technical glitches, occurred in such a “temple” of technology, like the Petersen Automotive Museum itself. “Let’s say that we did that on purpose. To show, once again, that Italian capacity to improvise is stronger than any difficulties!” he added.
“Seventy years ago, on June 2nd, 1946, Italians broke with the past and made a firm choice of democracy as the road to a just future,” the Consul stated solemnly.
Verde seized the opportunity to stress the daily strengthening of the ties between our peninsula and the USA, through the so-called “Team Italy,” made up of the local Italian Cultural Institute (IIC), the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT) and the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West (IACCW).
Among the annual events under the patronage of his team, the Consul announced a new initiative, a week-long celebration of Italian cooking, The Taste of Excellence. Next fall, expect to delight your palate, without losing sight of healthy nutrition, in the wake of 2015 Milan Expo.
“70 years that also give us the opportunity to stress that Italy is probably the youngest Septuagenarian you have ever seen,” the Consul joked.
Drawing inspiration by the venue, Verde compared Italy to a high-performance car: “In my opinion, Maserati, our event partner, can be considered a symbol of our country. A dynamic and technological Italy, always on the move.”
The Consul switched into high gear, by introducing one of Italy’s major assets, that is to say, its artistic heritage. The “June 2nd Art-Selfie” Twitter and Facebook contest was put together, with the precious collaboration of L’Italo-Americano along with the IIC, which developed the innovative app “Italy Art LA.” The prize for the lucky winner – who was not present – is going to be a flight ticket to Rome, offered by Protravel International agency, one of the event’s partners.
The speech had a very sad turn, as the Consul remembered late lamented Alberino Daniele Capisani, Chief Archivist at the Consulate and a family man, with his wife and two daughters in attendance.
Next, Verde thanked the COMITES, the Committee of Italians Residing Abroad, who are serving with dedication and enthusiasm, despite facing hard challenges.
The Consul acknowledged the role played by Ms. Lourdes Saab, in attendance on behalf of the Los Angeles County, Mr. Daniel Tamm, representing Mayor Garcetti, Ms. Sandra Ciaramitano from the office of Councilman Joe Buscaino, and, last but not least, Mr. James Paravinian, head of the Los Angeles Office of Foreign Missions of the US Department of State.
In conclusion of his speech, the Consul drew our attention to all the challenges faced by our country, by quoting famous Italian astronomer, Galileo Galilei’s words: “Dietro ogni problema c’è un’opportunità” (“Behind every difficulty hides an opportunity”).
The highlight of the evening was certainly the decorations, conferred by the President of Italian Republic (and handed over by the Consul), on three leading figures in science and entrepreneurship.
First honored with the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, title of Knight (“Cavaliere”), was Italian-American prime epidemiologist, Dr. Cedric Garland, who has observed how population in northern Italy – with a deficiency of sun exposure and, therefore, reduced synthesis of vitamin D – is more subject to certain type of tumors, especially colon and breast cancers.
Second honored with the same grade was Italian electronic engineer, Dr. Cinzia Zuffada, Associate Chief Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), in Pasadena. She was awarded for her breakthrough in the “GPS ocean reflection,” as well as for fostering exchanges of young researchers among the Polytechnic University of Turin and the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
Sounds familiar? That’s because I had the honor to interview her for a past issue of L’Italo-Americano.
Third honored with the Order of the Star of Italy, title of Knight, was importer and entrepreneur, Patricia D’Aquino, who has been dedicated to the business of importing premium Italian wine to California, for over two decades.
As a side note, the variety of wines, served during the evening, were provided by D’Aquino Wines. If you still didn’t feel boozy enough after a couple of glasses, exquisite Ventura Limoncello might serve the purpose. Afterwards, if you needed a caffeine boost, Matteo Pasquini Espresso was there for you.
A different kind of notes, jazz musical ones, were played by the Jasmine Tommaso Group, made up of singer/vocalist Jasmine and guitarist Lorenzo Grassi, both from Rome, bassist Blake Estrada and drummer Tim Pleasant, both from the US.
The ensemble concluded the evening with a bang, by alternating jazz tunes with Italian classics, such as Arrivederci by Umberto Bindi, Estate by Bruno Martino, Meglio Stasera by Henry Mancini, Ritratto in Bianco e Nero by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Senza Fine by Gino Paoli, as well as pieces by the Maestro par excellence, Ennio Morricone.
Donate