The Federated Fetes Italy’s Republic Day

Our community, represented by the Federated Italo- Americans, celebrated with proper dignity an historical date like “Italy’s Republic Day”, but our organizations disdainfully ignored it, despite the efforts of the organizers. These facts are the painful notes characterizing the late afternoon of Saturday, June 5, at Casa Italiana.

Even though we must adhere to journalistic restraints, certain truths must be told: Italian American organizations, among these the most quoted, deliberately stayed away because of futile and childish animosity.

And this acrimony must stop! For the first time in our 73 years in Los Angeles, we are painfully aware that our hearts beat not for our Motherland, as it should, notwithstanding the empty words of those who swear to the contrary. If each one who has been honored by the Federated as “Man or Woman of the Year” had been present to extend their own congratulatory messages to this year’s honorees, Casa Italiana would have had to set four or five more tables.

Ditto for those honored with the Columbian Award! Instead we counted only four individuals who were once honored in June since the beginning of this millenium. If all of those honored by our country of birth with chivalrous titles would have graced Casa Italiana with their presence, the hall would have been “sold-out” like not too many years ago. A full belly does not desire any more alimentation.

To wit: once honored and once received the “Cavaliere Award”, or the “Commendatore Award”, the last being the generous case in the last few years, he or she has no more aspirations to support the community! There are also those who return year after year dutifully. They covet nothing but celebrating a date deeply carved in the history of our country of birth. They want only to strongly love a land where they were born and where their fathers and forefa- thers are buried.

And those are the ones whom we deeply respect and those who have earned our deepest affection! The evening Those who were present, though, can attest that it was an unforgettable evening, this 64th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Italy. Therefore, many thanks are addressed to the two organizers chosen for the occasion: Ann Potenza and Maria Bruno, as well as the Federated’s President Rosemary Biagetti Vanderhaar.

The public applauded the presence of Consul General of Italy, Hon. Nicola Faganello and Mrs. Faganello. It applauded his words uttered before leaving for yet another engagement. Rev. Giovanni Bizzotto offered a warm invocation and thence Bart Inglese led the “Salute to the Flag”, followed by the anthems of these United States and Italy, respectively sung by Joey Gian (U.S.) and Joyce Garro (Italy).

The Consul General had offered for the occasion a brief concert of classical music interpreted by Trio Broz, warmly received and duly applauded. The concert preceded the dinner, while Tony Ciaramitaro and his Sicilian Band sang and played dance music and Italian songs.

The distinguished honorees, Cav. Vito Cannella and Dr. Paul J. Licata, both greeted with resounding applause after their words of acceptance, received not only kudos but also the City of Glendale’s Mayor Commendation by City Clerk Ardashes (Ardy) Kassakhian, of the State Assembly by Hon. Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, and another by Hon. Mike Antonovich, L.A. County’s Fifth District Supervisor, on his way to China and thus unable to attend.

There was also a plaque by the Federated, presented by its president, Rosemary Vanderhaar. Floral tributes were also given to Mrs. Nicola Faganello, and, later, to Mrs. Carol Licata. Mrs. Florence Cannella, ailing at home, was unable to attend this tribute to her husband of 55 years.

The entrance of M.C. Filippo Voltaggio was perhaps the spark that burned deep in the hearts of those present. A fine speaker with an impressive verbal touch and facile and descriptive words, he followed his opening words and his introductions with a touching rendition a cappella of “Santa Lucia” after having described Naples and its magnificent bay with sensitive words that seemed like the strokes of a master artist.

We challenge anyone who doesn’t admit that his or her eyes did not veil with not so furtive tears. Happy anniversary, dear country of our birth. Our thoughts and our prayers, always.

L.S.

Photo: L to R: Ann Potenza, Franziska Faganello, Maria Bruno, Rosemarie Vanderhaar