The Italian American community, led by the Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California, celebrated the 66th anniversary of Italy’s Republic Day with a certain amount of pomp and filial respect for the country they owe their birth or descent.
We say a certain amount because it could have been a majestic evening for a great celebration strengthened by the presence of a better than usual crowd at Casa Italiana, and yet it wasn’t. It could have been another cause for renewed pride and yet it offended many because a few guests chose disrespect over the opposite by wearing improper clothing for an evening of such historical significance.
Lest it is forgotten, June 2, 1946 was the day when Italy, in a national referendum, chose to be a republic founded on labor, thereby repudiating the monarchy of the House of Savoy which had governed the country for 85 years.
The evening offered two different phases. The beginning was characterized by the prideful utterances of new City Councilman (15th District) Joe Buscaino, and the comments of Consul General of Italy, Hon. Giuseppe Perrone.
A second program, exceed like the first part by Federated’s Past President, Comm. Robert Barbera, featured the presentations of Federated’s 2012 “Man and Woman of the Year Awards, bestowed to Cav Ugo Mamolo (Fameja Veneta) and Mrs. Ada Iezza (Molisani, I.C.F. etc.).
There were resounding ovations. There were multiple accolades, and Casa Italiana reverberated with sounds of approval and warmth as the chosen two spoke about their lives in Italy and here in America.
The first part of the program was opened by Chairlady Rosa DiMasi Stevens, the Pledge of Allegiance was declaimed by Immediate Past President Rosemarie Vanderhaar, the address of President Ann Potenza contained a good mention that Federated was celebrating a birthday of its own, its 65th, the National Anthems of both countries were played by the Duo Domino and the speech of the Consul General was warmly applauded.
After a desolate hiatus of miserable attendances, it once again looks rosier, once again it seems that national pride has entered into our consciences and into our hearts. Twohundred-twentyfive was the attendance this year, eleven were those attending who had been awarded the title of “Man or Woman of the Year”, five past presidents of the Federated were in attendance and a few others were there who had received Italy’s chivalrous awards.
But others similarly awarded , hundreds of them infact, were not as if they have repudiated our Motherland, thus forgetting year after year our enviable culture, and our rich heritage. And that is an unpardonable shame!
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