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Greetings from the President… Saluti dal Presidente! |
To mark our significant milestone, Festa Italiana 2008 DC is proudly featuring the culture and heritage of Rome and the Region of Lazio. FIF is using this special celebration to commemorate the historical and cultural ties between the United States and Italy and the regions of their Capital cities. We are honored that Mayor Fenty has proclaimed June 29th, 2008 as ITALIAN AMERICAN DAY!
The Regione of Lazio and the City of Roma are unique, beautiful, historic, and the major bases of law, science, architecture, art, cuisine, culture, civic and military administration, and neighbor to the Vatican. Lazio and Roma are truly two of the most desirable places in the world. I love them!
I thank the Ambassador for his inspiring message. I am honored to announce that the Italian Embassy and COMITES are patrons of Festa Italiana 2008. Their contributions are most valuable. This support greatly enhances our abilities to meet our goals: To preserve and promote appreciation of the history, heritage and culture of Italy and Italian Americans for Italian Americans and others.
The Holy Rosary Church, the Italian Cultural Society and FIERI joined to form the FIF as a non-profit organization to meet these goals by holding Festas in the area that prior to “urban renewal” was a vibrant Italian American neighborhood: in front of the last remnant of the area - The Holy Rosary Church. FIF completes its mission through the efforts of the all volunteer Festa Italiana Board of Directors. The Board is assisted by the wonderful efforts of many others who are, also, all volunteers.
I extend my thanks and appreciation to Fr. Lydio Tomasi and the Parishioners of The Holy Rosary Church, Mr. Luigi Deluca and the members of the Italian Cultural Society, Ms. Melanie Pedri and the members of FIERI for their continued support and sponsorship. I do the same for our fellow Italian organizations: The Lido Club, The Abruzzo & Molise Heritage Society, The Circola Del Briscola, The Luccchesi nel Mondo-Tuscany Club, The Holy Rosary Church Societies, Voce Italiana and the Italian Language Programs. I thank Alitalia Airlines and the other Donors of the many exciting raffle prizes and our Contributing Sponsors, all of whom are most generous and molto gentili.
This most enjoyable Festa would not be possible without the tireless efforts of my fellow FIF Directors and Festa Italiana 2008 Board of Directors. Last, but equally important, are the indispensable efforts of the volunteers who provide the necessary set up, tear down, and support activities on the day of the Festa.
It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve with all of the above. I extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to each of them.
Pace, amore e gioia,
Andrew C. Millunzi, President
Festa Italiana Foundation of Washington, DC
