Double celebration for Mr. Robert Barbera, publisher of L’Italo-Americano. On the occasion of his 80th birthday, he has been awarded with a medal from “Ordine della Stella d’Italia”, one of the most important acknowledgments assigned by the Italian Government.
This is the first and oldest decoration of the Italian Republican era. Established in 1947, the Order was once called “Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana”, and used to assign its medals to Italians abroad or foreign citizens who had given an important contribution to the reconstruction of Italy after World War II. Among the first and most famous people awarded, are the not-yet US President John F. Kennedy (1951), the Russian musician Igor Stravinsky (1953), and the Italian-American singer Frank Sinatra (1958).
Sixty years after, the reasons why this award is assigned have obviously changed. Today in fact, it goes to those, Italians or not, who have contributed to the promotion and strengthening of the collaboration between Italy and other Countries. The medal itself (in 5 different styles for 5 different grades), was designed to hold different features that symbolize the meaning of the honor. The windrose symbolizes the international and intercultural value of the award; the colors of the Italian flag clearly remind to the Italian origins of the Order; the oak and laurel wreathsymbolizes valor and strength; the blue circle carries instead the new name of the Order; and finally, the golden symbol in the middle refers to the republican origin of the Order.
Mr. Robert Barbera’s passion for Italy, its culture and heritage, has been recognized with one of the most important honors of the Italian Republic, and the Consul General of Italy Giuseppe Perrone personally handed the precious medal during the celebrations. “The assignment of the Grande Ufficialato of the Ordine della Stella to Robert Barbera from the President of the Italian Republic” commented the Consul General, “is a great recognition that Robert deserved, for the commitment he has demonstrated during the years towards family, community, and work. These values are distinctive features of the being Italian.
His contribution to the promotion of the Italian language and culture, recently embraced with the leadership of L’Italo-Americano, is a precious resource on which the Italian institutions can always rely on here in Southern California.”
We of L’Italo-Americano are proud to be part of his team, and together with the Italian community of Los Angeles, want to congratulate him for the brilliant and passionate work he is doing.
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