Dear fellow Italians,

 

         I am happy to celebrate this June 2, 2013 with you, the 67th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Italy.

 

         It is an occasion that fills us with joy and that has deep meaning, also because it is another opportunity to celebrate the excellent relations of friendship between Italy and the United States. A relationship that is based, among many things, on the presence of over 25 million Americans of Italian origin and more than 200,000 Italian citizens who have made ​​the United States their home.

 

         I do not need to emphasize Italy’s extraordinary contribution to the growth and development of the United States, the sacrifices and the exceptional outcome that this contribution has produced.

 

         The celebration of 2013 the Year of Italian Culture in the United States, with more than 200 events in over 50 cities, provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the contribution of our great country to culture as a whole, in terms of art, music, literature, but also on what Italy continues to give even now in the most advanced and innovative areas of scientific research and technology and which have drawn great admiration from the United States and the global community.

 

         How can we forget the 700 plus research agreements between Italian and American Universities, which encourage the exchange of researchers and produce results that contribute daily to the advancement of knowledge and overall wellbeing? How can we not think of the tens of thousands of Italian students studying in America or Americans studying in Italy?

 

         Not to mention the economic and trade relations between our two countries, which are constantly growing, as well as the contacts between our two peoples, also thanks to the flow of tourism which has become more and more significant.

 

         The solid friendship between Italy and the United States is also based on the common respect for the values ​​of freedom and human dignity that Italian and American soldiers defend together in some of the most important international theaters. Italy and the United States have a common vision of international relations and a common commitment to peace and stability in the world.

 

         I cannot conclude without stressing the importance of keeping our common cultural heritage alive, especially by promoting the teaching of the Italian language, including at the AP level. We must not forget the goal of enrolling 2,500 students in 2015, an objective that we must work toward together.

 

         It is for this reason that I wish to thank all of those who, with their daily commitment, contribute to the dissemination of our beautiful language: schools, teachers, associations, and our government sponsored Enti Gestori.

 

         Aware of the immense contribution of Italians living in the United States and of Americans of Italian descent, I would therefore like to extend my sincerest "Grazie!" And I wish all of you a happy National Day!

 

 

Claudio Bisogniero

Ambassador of Italy to the United States