An October Celebration of Italian Heritage, Tradition, and Historical past
Over 5.5 million Italians immigrated to america between 1820 and 2000. At this time there are over 16 million People of Italian descent in america, making them the fourth largest ethnic group – and the nation was even named after an Italian, the explorer and geographer Amerigo Vespucci.
With out the Italians, America could be a really totally different place immediately. So lots of America’s discoverers, explorers, and colonizers have been of Italian descent, one may even conclude that with out Italians, America could not even exist.
Italian People all through the nation be part of collectively to have fun their heritage through the month of October, however the title of the month is as assorted as those that have fun. Relying on the group and area, October could also be Italian American Heritage Month, Italian American Historical past Month, Italian Heritage Month, Italian Tradition Month, Italian Heritage and Tradition Month, or Italian Historical past Month. Nonetheless, it’s acknowledged as Nationwide Italian American Heritage Month within the annual proclamation signed by the President of america.
Though the month of festivities could also be recognized by many names, the aim of celebrating is similar — to honor these of Italian heritage who’ve so richly contributed to America… and the world.
Whether or not you’re of Italian heritage or not, we hope that you simply who learn this may in a roundabout way have fun this month what makes Italian-People proud.
To all of the Italian-People who contribute to what makes America nice, we thanks!
The next is a poem by Angelo Bianchi, Esq., 1982
“I’m an Italian-American”
I’m an Italian-American. My roots are deep in an historic soil, drenched by the Mediterranean solar, and watered by pure streams from snow capped mountains.
I’m enriched by 1000’s of years of tradition. My fingers are these of the mason, the artist, the person of the soil.
My ideas have been recounted within the annals of Rome, the poetry of Virgil, the creations of Dante, and the philosophy of Benedetto Croce.
I’m an Italian-American, and from my historic world, I first spanned the seas to the New World. I’m Cristoforo Colombo.
I’m Giovanne Caboto recognized in American Historical past as John Cabot, discoverer of the mainland of North America.
I’m Amerigo Vespucci, who gave my title to the New World, America.
First to sail on the Nice Lakes in 1679, founding father of the territory that grew to become the State of Illinois, colonizer of Louisiana and Arkansas, I’m Enrico Tonti.
I’m Filippo Mazzei buddy of Thomas Jefferson, and my thesis on the equality of man was written into the Invoice of Rights.
I’m William Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
I’m an Italian-American; I financed the Northwest Expedition of George Rogers Clark and accompanied him via the lands that may change into Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. I’m Colonel Francesco Vigo.
I mapped the Pacific from Mexico to Alaska and to the Philippines. I’m Alessandro Malaspina.
I’m Giacomo Belinimi, discoverer of the supply of the Mississippi River in 1823.
I created the Dome of america Capitol. They name me the Michelangelo of America. I’m Constantino Brumidi.
In 1904, I based in San Francisco, the Financial institution of Italy now often called the Financial institution of America, the most important monetary establishment on the planet. I’m A.P. Giannini.
I’m Enrico Fermi, father of nuclear science in America.
I’m Steve Geppi, founding father of Diamond Comics, the most important distributorship of comics on the planet.
I’m the primary enlisted man to earn the Medal of Honor in World Struggle II; I’m John Basilone of New Jersey. I’m an Italian-American.
I’m the million robust who served in America’s armies and the tens of 1000’s whose names are enshrined in army cemeteries from Guadalcanal to the Rhine.
I’m the metal maker in Pittsburgh, the grower within the Imperial Valley of California, the textile designer in Manhattan, the film maker in Hollywood, the homemaker and the breadwinner in over 10,000 communities.
I’m an American with out stint or reservation, loving this land as just one who understands historical past, its agonies and its triumphs can love and serve it.
Is not going to be informed that my contribution is any much less nor my position not as worthy as that of another American.
I’ll stand in assist of this nation’s freedom and defend towards all foes.
My heritage has devoted me to this nation. I’m happy with my heritage, and I shall stay worthy of it.
I’m an Italian-American.
