MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS ITALIAN HERITAGE MONTH RECEPTION
Italian-American Artists To Perform at Gracie Mansion
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this evening commemorated Italian Heritage and Culture Month at a Gracie Mansion reception. On hand for the celebration were Mistress of Ceremonies and daytime television star Susan Lucci; film and TV luminary Paul Sorvino, and Metropolitan Opera great, Baritone Gino Quilico. Also joining the Mayor were Executive Director of the Congress of Italian-American Organizations (CIAO) Mary Sansone; and President of the Institute for Italian American Experience, Mico Licastro.
"Tonight New York City celebrates Italian heritage and the important contributions Italian-Americans have made to the richness of our great City," Mayor Giuliani said. "This year's celebration is dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the voyages of Genoan explorer Giovanni Caboto, who sailed under the English flag seeking a sea route to Asia. After a month at sea, his tiny ship 'Matthew' and its crew of 18 landed in Nova Scotia and opened the door to five centuries of Italian contributions to our great country.
"In the 500 years since Caboto's explorations, many thousands have come here from every region of Italy, seeking to build new lives for themselves and their families. Their talents, devotion to family and hard work have helped make New York City the Capital of the World. From music to science, fashion to medicine, or culinary arts to architecture, Italians and Italian-Americans have influenced every aspect of New York City life, and in recognition of more than five centuries of Italian contributions to the 'New World' and in recognition of this important celebration, I proclaim the month of October, 1997 in the City of New York Italian Heritage and Culture Month," the Mayor concluded.
Sponsors of the Italian Heritage month include The Hearst Corporation, Conair, Priority Home Care, NECO, New York Exchange and Long Island Banana.
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