LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 2013 as Italian Heritage and Culture Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those whose true purpose and worthy accomplishment foster a spirit of
community as they promote and recognize the goals and ideals of the rich
cultural heritage of the Italian community; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2013 as Italian Heritage and Culture
Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Italian Heritage and Culture Committee (IHCC) of New
York, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1976; Dr. Angelo
Gimondo, its Founding Chairman, has played a leadership role since the
beginning; its Board of Directors is composed of prominent represen-
tatives of New York's Italian-American community, and Joseph Sciame
continues to ably serve as its President and Chairman; and
WHEREAS, IHCC's Board of Directors, consisting of Italian and Itali-
an-American leaders in Greater New York, announced the theme this year:
"2013: Year of Italian Culture in the United States," L'Anno della
Cultura Italiana negli Stati Uniti; and
WHEREAS, The theme, which parallels the theme announced by the Italian
Embassy in Washington, D.C., is celebrated throughout this year, espe-
cially highlighted during Italian Heritage and Culture Month; and
WHEREAS, This year's theme is an initiative of the Italian Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata, coordinated by the Italian
Ambassador in the United States, Claudio Bisogniero; and
WHEREAS, The multifaceted theme, highlighting Italy's history and
culture in every area of creative endeavors, will emphasize research,
discovery and innovation; what is evident is Italy's significant histor-
ical contributions to world civilization; its connection with the
science, technology and art of contemporary Italy; and its ever presence
throughout the culture and daily life in America; and
WHEREAS, Special commemorative anniversaries will be noted: the bicen-
tennial of Verdi's birth; the 700th anniversary of Boccaccio's birth;
the 500th anniversary of Machiavelli's THE PRINCE; and the 50th anniver-
sary of the Lamborghini; and
WHEREAS, Unique to this year is not only the production of the Italian
Heritage and Culture Committee's annual poster but also nine subsequent
posters, depicting the Italian Government's program themes: Music and
Theater; Science and Technology; Language and Literature; Art; Cinema
and Photography; Italian Brand & Design; Italian Territories; Tastes and
Flavors of Italy; and the Next Generation; and
WHEREAS, The annual poster depicts Michelangelo's David-Apollo, pres-
ently on loan from Musco del Bargello, Florence, Italy, to the National
Gallery in Washington, D.C., where the inaugural event took place; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Italian Heritage and Culture, which began
as a week-long event, has grown to a month-long celebration of special
events and programs organized and hosted by cultural associations,
community centers, libraries, schools and universities during the month
of October; and
WHEREAS, Each October is dedicated to a specific theme or personality
representative of the history and culture of Italy and Italian-America-
na; October 2013 marks the 37th Anniversary of Italian Heritage and
Culture Month; and
WHEREAS, Italian-American cultural events and programs venerating
Italian history, culture, and the many significant contributions of

Italians, Italian-Americans, and Italian culture to America will take
place throughout New York State during this special month for people of
all cultures to enjoy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2013 as Italian
Heritage and Culture Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; and Joseph Sciame, President and Chairman of the Italian Heritage
and Cultural Committee of New York, Inc.