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The reception also afforded the Mayor and the Italian American community to bid farewell to Italian Consul General Franco Mistretta, who will be leaving his post in New York City to take up another diplomatic assignment. Joining the Mayor at the reception were Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington, Coalition Of Italian American Organizations President Mary Sansone, Mico LiCastro, President of the Institute for the Italian American Experience, actor Tony LoBianco and New York City Tax Commission President James DeCuzzi.
"Even before the consolidation of Greater New York a century ago, and certainly ever since, the history of New York has been inextricably tied with the work of Italians who came to the New World in search of freedom and opportunity," Mayor Giuliani said. "Tonight we are here to show our appreciation for the influence that Italians and Italian culture have had in all areas of our City: in our City's great works of art, architecture, literature, music and, of course, wonderful food.
"Tonight's event also gives us an opportunity to celebrate our heritage as Americans, and that means celebrating the freedoms immigrants enjoyed in coming to the New World. Our Italian forefathers made the most of that opportunity and so much of New York City was literally built with their hands. More than anywhere else in the world, New York City relies on the new ideas, energy and vitality of immigrant communities that have developed and continue to develop our great City.
"Tonight we also recognize a man who has made an enormous contribution to the life and the spirit of this City," the Mayor continued. "As Consul General, Franco Mistretta has promoted both cultural and economic prosperity in New York and has played a major role in making the consular community one of our City's greatest assets. His presence here over the years has enhanced New York City's international stature and prestige and reaffirms New York's unique diversity."