ROME – U.S. Ambassador David Thorne was honored by President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano wi-th the title of “Cavaliere di Gran Croce dell’ ordine al Merito della Repubblica italiana”.
The prestigious award was conferred during an official ceremo-ny at the Quirinale, after which Ambassador Thorne, at the end of his diplomatic mission in Italy, and President Napolitano discussed topics of mutual interest in the framework of the close cooperation and deep friendship between Italy and the U.S.
The highest ranking honour of the Italian Repubblic is awarded for meritorious service or achievements and specifically for “merits acquired by the nation” in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities or for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers.
The Order of Merit of the Ita-lian Republic was founded as the senior order of knighthood by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi in 1951.
Ambassador Thorne (who was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy and to the Republic of San Marino on August 17, 2009) has a lifelong personal connection to Italy.
He moved with his family to Rome in 1953, when his father, Landon Thorne Jr., was appointed by President Eisenhower to administer the Marshall Plan for Italy. He grew up in Rome learning fluent Italian and nurturing a deep appreciation and knowledge of Italy’s culture, politics, and society. After leaving the Foreign Service, his father published the Rome Daily American, established and directed the Italian branch of Banker Trust Company, and served as trustee of the American Academy in Rome.
Ambassador Thorne is cofounder of Adviser Investments, one of the nation’s most highly regarded firms specializing in Vanguard and Fidelity mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.
The ceremony comes before the Us celebration of July 4. The Embassy in Rome will be closed in observance of Independence Day American holiday.
Donate