In 1946, the Italian people recovering from World War II came together and voted in a referendum held by universal suffrage to establish the Republic. To commemorate this historical event, every year since 2001 celebrations are organized on June 2nd (before that, the Republic Day used to fall on the first Sunday in June) all across Italy as well as by the Italian communities worldwide.
In Rome, the President of the Italian Republic presided at the parade by representatives of the Armed Forces through the streets of the city center, in the presence of the Prime Minister, government officials, high officers, and foreign dignitaries. The parade has been a tradition since 1948, and another tradition – suspended in 2013 due to austerity measures – was restored this year: the spectacular performance of the Italian Air Force aerobatic demonstration team “Frecce Tricolori”.
On this side of the Atlantic, 2014 festivities were no less impressive. In particular, the Italian American community of Los Angeles held an extraordinary, double celebration of the Republic’s 68th anniversary on the weekend of May 31-June 1.
On Saturday, the Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California hosted a luncheon at Michael’s Restaurant in San Pedro, with the participation of about 100 guests. Among them were Hon. Giuseppe Perrone, Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles, Commercial Attaché Elena Marinelli, and many leaders of Federated’s Italian American organizations, including Mike and Marianna Gatto, Marisa Antonini, Robert and Josephine Barbera, just to name a few.
All the participating leaders, Federated’s Executive Board, and Federated’sWoman and Man of the Year Mrs. Irene Guadagno and Mr. Vincenzo Rotella were honored with medals in recognition of their role within the local community and their contribution to promote Italian cultural heritage. The prestigious award was bestowed on them by Consul General Giuseppe Perrone, Federated’s President Ann Potenza, and Carmela Funiciello, Vice President Republic Day.
“It was a pleasant and joyous event,” commented Federated’s Vice President Administration Margherita Underhill. Carmela Funiciello added that “We managed to organize it with few resources but plenty of enthusiasm and commitment, and I think we did a very good job.”
This was confirmed by Federated’s President Ann Potenza: “The result was amazing,” she said. “This festivity represents an important occasion to celebrate Italy, and we were very pleased to see attendees enjoying it, also thanks to the delicious food and the music entertainment by Tony Ciaramitaro and the Sicilian Band,” continued Maria Bruno, Assistant Vice President Republic Day, who also read a brief poem in Italian entitled “Il mio Paese” (My Native Country) in front of the moved audience.
On Sunday, the celebrations went on at the Italian Cultural Institute, where a special screening of 2014 Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Picture The Great Beauty was held, followed by the reception.
The IIC patio –elegantly set up by lighting designer Andrea Speroni – was filled with representatives of the Italian American community from different organizations, including ENIT, IACCW, ITA, NIAF, ISSNAF, IAMLA, ICHF, and many more. Special guest was Councilmember Joe Buscaino.
Everybody enjoyed the multimedia show by Alessandro Marianantoni, dedicated to Italy’s “great beauty”, as well as the exquisite food provided by generous sponsors such as Il Fornaio, Drago, Ferrarini USA, Pasquini Espresso, Ventura Limoncello, Ferrarelle, and others.
The speech given by Consul General Giuseppe Perrone – who also bid farewell to the community prior to his return to Italy in Fall at the end of his mandate– was preceded by the National Anthems sung by Elisabetta Russo and Gino Gaudio.
Hon. Giuseppe Perrone thanked his collaborators (some of them like Elena Marinelli, Irene Buongiorno, IIC Acting Director Massimo Sarti, and Michela Magrì will leave LA soon as well), the local Institutions and Italian American associations for working with him to promote the Italian culture and language in Southern California, and highlighted the importance of Republic Day in this moment of crucial transformation for Italy.
He also introduced Edoardo Alzetta, representative of Expo Milano 2015, invited to participate in this incredible project, and bestowed the prestigious “Ordine della Stella” awarded by the President of the Republic on Marisa Antonini, a cornerstone of the community.
In turn, Consul General Perrone was presented a recognition by the Chief of Protocol of Mayor Eric Garcetti, who confirmed the Mayor’s appreciation for the Italian contribution to the business and cultural development of the city. Special thanks were also extended by the Deputy Chief of Protocol of LA County.
The cutting of the Italian flag themed cake, offered by Ugo Mamolo, marked the end of a celebration full of emotions, food, and friends.
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