Monthly Archives: May 2014

Sec Kerry Statement on Occasion of Italy’s Republic Day on June 2

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On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I send warmest wishes to the people of Italy as you celebrate Republic Day on June 2.

I have always felt a very special, personal connection to Italy and its people, dating back to my travels in Italy as a young college student. That bond has only strengthened over many visits this past year. I am especially grateful to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini for their partnership on so many issues that matter to the security and prosperity of our citizens.

The deep bonds between the United States and Italy date back to the early days of the American Revolution, when the writings of Philip Mazzei inspired the immortal phrase “all men are created equal.”

In 1946, the people of Italy embraced these same principles in their own constitutional referendum. Their choices, during a time of great turmoil, helped Italy become the strong and prosperous democracy it is today.

Italy is one of our closest allies. We are united by a shared belief in freedom for all people. The United States and Italy are working together to promote stability in Ukraine, the Middle East, and North Africa. Our countries are promoting shared prosperity and tackling the challenge of global food security. The United States looks forward to participating in Milan Expo 2015, an important venue to raise awareness about the challenges of feeding the planet through sustainable agriculture and nutrition.

I extend to all Italians best wishes on this 68th anniversary of Republic Day and look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years to come.

NIAF Hosts Second Annual Congressional Bocce Ball Bash

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On May 29, 2014, the National Italian American Foundation hosted its 2nd Annual Congressional Bocce Ball Bash on the rooftop of the Offices of Venable LLP, in Washington, DC.

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Bill Pascrell, Pat Tiberi, John Viola, Fucsia Nissoli

We watched U.S. Congressmen Bill Pascrell and Pat Tiberi, pitted against Italian Chamber of Deputies Representative Fucsia Nissoli, and NIAF’s President John Viola.  Among the guest players Italian Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero and NIAF board member Mark Valente.

Pat Tiberi and Gabriella Mileti teamed up against Fucsia NIssoli and Bill Pascrell

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Honoring the memory of American Law Enforcement Officers – National Police Week, May 11-17

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Thousands of law enforcement officers, their families and friends, honored their fallen heroes during the annual National Police Week observances in Washington, D.C.   Most of the events  were held around the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and included the arrival on May 12 of thousands of officers on bicycles who traveled hundreds of miles to raise money for the memorial.  The highlight of the week was a candlelight vigil on May 13, which was open to the public and attended by as many as 20,000 people.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week.  Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is centered in the 400 block of E Street, NW, Washington, DC and is the nation’s monument to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Dedicated on October 15, 1991, the Memorial honors federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people.

The Memorial features two curving, 304-foot-long blue-gray marble walls. Carved on these walls are the names of more than 20,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known death in 1791. The names of 286 fallen law enforcement heroes were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.