Ladies and gentlemen, signore e signori, I am delighted to participate today in the Columbus Day Celebration in New York. While this great city was one of those worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the US, it quickly became an outstanding symbol of American resilience.
And this is the very resilience that Italy has shown in recent months. When faced with the crisis, Italy rose to the challenge. Now we look at the future with that same determination and courage.
Dear friends, these are unprecedented times that have brought about radical transformations. However, what has not changed is the strength of the values and traditions to which our communities are so deeply attached. While in a new format, Columbus Day remains as strong and important as ever.
My warm congratulazioni go to Governor Cuomo on his role as the Grand Marshal of the virtual Columbus Day Parade, and to this year’s honored guest, Dr. Anthony Fauci. And my sincere gratitude goes to Ms. Marian Pardo and to Mr. Angelo Vivolo, President and Chairman of the Board of the Columbus Citizen Foundation, for the passionate dedication and outstanding work they put each year into the Columbus Day celebrations.
Cari amici, Columbus Day is a distinctive moment of the Italian-American community’s cultural heritage. This identity deserves to be honored and cherished even when we pay our tribute to the necessary historic analysis.
Dear Italian-Americans, through your perseverance, unwavering dedication, and work you have greatly contributed to the success of this country. In 1492, Columbus connected the two sides of the Atlantic and laid the foundations of the great relationship existing today between the USA, Europe and Italy. A relation deeply rooted in the common values of freedom and democracy.
Today, the Italian-American community plays a crucial role in strengthening this relationship and ushering a new era of great cooperation across the Atlantic. We know there is no limit to what we can achieve together. Grazie, e buon Columbus Day a tutti!
