Sons
of Italy Joins President Bush at White House Columbus
Day Signing
Press Contact: Diane E. Crespy, (202) 547-2900 dcrespy@osia.org
Washington – Representatives of the Order
Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), the world's largest
and longest-established organization of American men and
women of Italian heritage, joined President Bush and Mrs.
Bush Monday for the signing of a proclamation declaring
October 8 Columbus Day in the United States.
The signing of the proclamation comes in the wake of the
terrorist attacks that left thousands dead, including
many Italian-American police and fire workers in New York
City. President Bush made special mention of the rescue
workers and the victims, including fallen New York Fire
Chief Peter Ganci, whose family attended the signing ceremony.
"Italian-Americans were among the many public servants
last month who gave extraordinary service in an hour of
dire emergency," the President said, acknowledging
Arlington (Va.) Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim Bonzano
and New York City Police and Fire Department representatives
Joe Esposito and Chief Dan Nigro.
Joined at the podium by OSIA National President Robert
A. Messa, President Bush remarked, "This Columbus
Day should be one of deep pride for all Americans –
all Americans – especially those [of] Italian descent.
From the very beginning of our country, the sons and daughters
of Italy have brought honor to themselves and have enriched
our national life." [See http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/10/20011008-8.html
for full text of the President's remarks.]
Other distinguished attendees at the ceremony included
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Italian Ambassador
Ferdinando Salleo, Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
and Connie Morella (R-Md.), and leaders of other Italian-American
organizations.
Columbus Day, the official holiday of OSIA, has been steeped
in controversy over the years, with American Indian groups
protesting the nationally recognized holiday. Americans
of Italian descent view the holiday as an opportunity
to celebrate Italian-American culture and the countless
positive contributions by people of Italian heritage to
the world, as well as the accomplishments of the Italian
explorer.
The Order Sons of Italy in America has more than 700 chapters
and more than 575,000 members in all 50 states, and two
U.S. territories. OSIA members have been dedicated to
providing educational opportunities, improving the lives
of all Americans, and preserving the Italian heritage
since the organization's founding in 1905. For more
information, contact OSIA at (202) 547-2900, nationaloffice@osia.org,
or on the Internet at http://www.osia.org.
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