Release #404-00

 

Contact:	Michael Anton/Julie Caudell  212/788-2958

MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS ITALIAN HERITAGE
AND CULTURE MONTH CELEBRATION

Proclaims October "Italian Heritage and Culture Month" In New York City

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this evening welcomed members of New York City's Italian American community to Gracie Mansion for a reception celebrating Italian Heritage and Culture Month in New York City. At the reception the Mayor issued a proclamation highlighting the contributions of the Italian American community to the City and designating the month of October as Italian Heritage and Culture Month in New York City.

"When we celebrate Italian-American Heritage we celebrate America," said Mayor Giuliani. "We celebrate the historical contributions that have defined our culture, and we celebrate the process of immigration that has made it all possible. As our City moves forward into the new millennium, the Italian American community should feel pride for helping New York City become the Capital of the World. And we should all look forward with hope as we work together to create a safer, more beautiful and prosperous City well through the next millennium."

The Mayor was joined by 1,000 guests, including representatives from Italian American business, civic and cultural groups in New York City. Also attending was Honorable Giorgio Radicati, Consul General of Italy. Joe Piscopo served as the Master of Ceremonies, and special thanks were given to Administration for Children's Services Commissioner Nicholas Scopetta and Mary Sansone, Executive Director of the Congress of Italian American Organizations. Entertainment was provided by La Scuola D'Italia, and also by singers Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu of the Metropolitan Opera.

www.nyc.gov