NYC Mayor Bloomberg Proclaims March 27 as «NYC Celebrates Italian Unification Day»

WHEREAS: New York City and Italy have always enjoyed a strong relationship. Before he led il Risorgimento that resulted in the unification of Italy, the world-renowned Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi lived for a time on Staten Island. To this day, a statue of Garibaldi adorns Manhattan’s Washington Square Park. In the Bronx, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio gracefully patrolled centerfield for the New York Yankees. And leaders like La Guardia, Cuomo, and Giuliani have served New York with great distinction. That is why I am proud to welcome the Honorable Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Italian Republic, to New York City, and join the Consulate General of Italy in New York and all Italian New Yorkers in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy.

WHEREAS: More than three million people in the New York City area proudly claim Italian heritage. From the signature neighborhoods of Little Italy to Arthur Avenue and all points in between, they have had a tremendous impact on our city’s culture, cuisine, and civic life. New York is proud to be a place that opens its arms to the world, and it is impossible to imagine our City without the contributions of Italian Americans.

WHEREAS: At a time when the United States was fighting to preserve its union, Italy was unified by the values that our countries continue to share today. On the occasion of this milestone anniversary, we are delighted to welcome President Napolitano to New York for a meaningful reflection on the impact that a unified Italy has had on our world.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Michael R. Bloomberg, in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, and in appreciation of the millions of people of Italian heritage who have called our City home, do hereby proclaim Sunday, March 27th, 2011 in the City of New York as:

“NYC Celebrates Italian Unification Day”