Remarks to Sons of Italy Foundation

Pelosi Remarks to Sons of Italy Foundation

Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke tonight at the Sons of Italy Foundation's 16th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

"The presence of President Bush and Prime Minister Berlusconi tonight speaks to the unbreakable bonds between our nations. Italy is one of America's most dependable friends and a staunch NATO ally. Italy was our indispensable partner in ending the genocide in Bosnia and Kosovo. Today, Italians and Americans are bravely serving together in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"From my 10 years on the Intelligence Committee, I also know firsthand that long before the September 11 attacks, Italy and the United States stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against terrorism. Tonight, we reaffirm that solidarity, a partnership of both history and the heart.

"Sons, and daughters, of Italy. Buona Sera.

"Being here means a great deal to me personally. When I was a girl, my father, Thomas D'Alesandro, was the first Italian-American Mayor of Baltimore. He would often take me to Sons of Italy dinners around the city.

"For nearly a century, you have celebrated our culture and strengthened the ties between the United States and Italy. On behalf of my family and the millions of Italian-Americans whose lives you have touched, grazie.

"Italian Americans are raised to be both patriotic Americans and proud of our Italian heritage.

"It is this pride in my own heritage that has always enabled me to appreciate the heritage of other Americans, whether they are my constituents or my colleagues. Indeed, as House Democratic Leader, I am proud to lead a caucus that reflects the beautiful diversity, and thus the strength, of America.

"To this great nation, our families brought the hallmarks of Italian life: a deep faith, an abiding love of family, and a strong work ethic. No ethnic group has done more to reinforce American family values than Italian Americans.

"These values have allowed us to make extraordinary contributions in academics, the arts, business, science, and government. In Congress, we have seen brilliant Italian American leaders-Peter Rodino, Leon Panetta, Geraldine Ferraro, and my own father. And it is often noted that I would be the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, but I take special pride that I would be the first Italian-American Speaker.

"For examples of the contributions and success of Italian-Americans, we need to look no further than tonight's honorees: Joe Grano, whom we honor for his business acumen, my friend Fran Visco, whose work fighting breast cancer makes a difference in the lives of so many women, and Jack DeGioia, for making history as Georgetown's first lay president.

"Fundamental to their success, and to anyone's success, is access to education. So I thank the Sons of Italy for your commitment to future generations and for making the dream of an education a reality for the talented students here tonight.

"In closing, I want to leave you with a story that reflects the spirit we celebrate tonight. In the mid-1800s, an Italian immigrant, Constantino Brumidi became known as 'the Michelangelo of the U.S. Capitol' for his brilliant murals that adorn the dome.

"While working on the murals, he said, 'My one ambition is that I may live long enough to make beautiful the Capitol of the one country on Earth in which there is liberty.'

"Today, millions of visitors every year come to the U.S. Capitol made beautiful-like so much of our country-by the devotion of Italian-Americans. And the liberty Constantino Brumidi spoke of has spread to Italy and many nations around the world.

"Thank you, Sons and Daughters of Italy, for making us proud-proud of the generations that came before, proud of the generations yet to come.

"God bless America. Viva L'Italia!"