[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 175 Introduced in House (IH)]

103d CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. J. RES. 175

    Designating October 1993 and October 1994 as ``Italian-American 
                     Heritage and Culture Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 1, 1993

Mr. Engel introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred 
           to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
    Designating October 1993 and October 1994 as ``Italian-American 
                     Heritage and Culture Month''.

Whereas Italians and Italian-Americans have contributed to the United States in 
        all aspects of life, including art, science, civil service, military 
        service, athletics, education, law, and politics;
Whereas Italian-Americans make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the United 
        States;
Whereas in recognition of the accomplishments of Christopher Columbus, 
        recognized as one of the greatest explorers in world history and the 
        first to record the discovery of the Americas, a national observance day 
        was established in October of every year;
Whereas the phrase in the Declaration of Independence ``All men are created 
        equal'', was suggested by the Italian patriot and immigrant Philip 
        Mazzei;
Whereas the people of the United States take great pride in the accomplishments 
        of the many outstanding men and women of Italian descent who have 
        enriched our Nation's history such as Fiorello La Guardia, the beloved 
        Mayor of New York City, and Enrico Fermi, who won the 1938 Nobel Prize 
        in Physics;
Whereas Italy enjoys a rich cultural heritage and has given the world the great 
        works of Dante, the breathtaking art of Giotti and Michelangelo, and the 
        inspirational music of Antonio Vivaldi and Domenico Scarlatti;
Whereas the Americas were named after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci;
Whereas Giuseppe Verdi, one of the world's most renowned opera composers, was 
        born October 10, 1813;
Whereas William Paca, an Italian-American, was one of the signers of the 
        Declaration of Independence; and
Whereas during October 1993 and October 1994 special attention will be directed 
        at National, State, and local programs that promote Italian heritage and 
        culture: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled,
That October 1993 and October 1994 are each designated as ``Italian-
American Heritage and Culture Month''. The President is authorized and 
requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United 
States to observe such month with appropriate ceremonies and 
activities.

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