Ladies and gentlemen,
I wish to express my gratitude to the National Columbus Celebration Association and to its president, Dr. David Curfman, for organizing once again this very special event and for extending its kind invitation, for the first time, to the president of the Committee of Italians Abroad of the Washington consular jurisdiction, Mr. Carmelo Cicala, who is today with us in his capacity.
As a representative of Italy, I am deeply honored, to join in this celebration of a great Italian - Cristoforo Colombo - one of the most outstanding figures in the history of mankind. His vision and his determination in pursuing it are, indeed, a cornerstone of the human adventure throughout the centuries.
A man of courage and passion, a man of high intellectual distinction and boldness, a man of genius and dedicated study, Columbus remains a powerful symbol of audacity and perseverance. His defiance to old beliefs, his readiness to go beyond traditions and certainties, in search for the unknown, represent his unmatchable legacy to the contemporary world.
This celebration takes place in a period of extraordinary development in the special and long standing relationship of friendship between Italy and the United States. It is firmly rooted in the bonds of blood and ideals set from the times of independence of our nations.
Every human being is born free and his natural destiny is to assert his freedom against any external limitations. This spirit of discovery is the same one that brought Italian navigators such as Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci to these lands. Acknowledging the supreme value of freedom we mark our proud participation in the celebrations of Columbus Day.
Millions of Italians were warmly welcomed into this extraordinary land of opportunity and were able to draw from its unique spirit, contributing to its development and reaping its rewards of well-being and freedom.
Columbus achievements are cherished by the Italian people as the first step in the long standing contribution Italy has made to the birth and the development of the American nation, especially through the dedication, the hard work, the creative skills of millions of Italian immigrants who followed in his path.
For those millions of Italian immigrants to the Americas who defied the unknown, challenged huge difficulties, overcoming obstacles and prejudices, Columbus was a symbol, a myth in that Columbus' journey to the new world was also, in some respects, their journey to a new world, a human adventure in search for better conditions of life, for social progress, and for a long term perspective of well-being for their children and families.
Since long, Americans of Italian descent have achieved high standards of welfare, of income, of education. However, in their heritage Columbus occupies a special place and is still cherished as a revered memory to the country of origin of their ancestors as well as a model for achievements to come in the country where they were born and they live and prosper.
In the spirit of friendship between Italy and the United States of America, strong in our common commitment to the enhancement of the fundamental values of freedom, democracy and peace, I am honored to join in this tribute to the figure and to the epical achievements of Christopher Columbus.
Thank you
