Italy’s 150th Anniversary of Liberation and Unity

WHEREAS, Italy became an independent, unified nation on March 17, 1861, after an almost half century struggle against foreign domination; and

WHEREAS, this year marks the 150th Anniversary of Italy’s independence; and

WHEREAS, Italians and Americans of Italian descent have previously been and remain a vital aspect of the Nation’s rich diversity by winning Nobel Prizes; serving as Governors and legislative officials; excelling as artists, educators, doctors, researchers, entrepreneurs and in many other areas; and

WHEREAS, the unique partnership between Italy and the United States is a mutual wealth of values, historical ties, cultural and human relations, whose roots can be found in the legacy of the Florentine Renaissance; and

WHEREAS, these common values and principles have inspired the arts, sciences and political thinking both in America and Italy, through the lives and ideas of Andrea Palladio, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Gaetano Filangieri, Giuseppe Garibaldi and Abraham Lincoln; and

WHEREAS, throughout this year, the Italian American community in Alabama will celebrate its heritage through historical and cultural traditions and observances:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby do proclaim March 17, 2011, as

Italy’s 150th Anniversary of Liberation and Unity

in the State of Alabama and call upon all citizens to take cognizance of this event.

 

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 10th day of March 2011.

 

      

Governor Robert Bentley