[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 64 (Thursday, May 9, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E740-E741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE FEDERATION OF ITALIAN-AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS OF QUEENS

                                 ______


                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 1996

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to rise to pay tribute 
to the Federation

[[Page E741]]

of Italian-American Organizations of Queens, NY, a group that this year 
celebrates its 25th anniversary. I ask my colleagues to join with me in 
recognizing and honoring this very important organization for its 
dedicated services to the Queens community.
  The mission of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of 
Queens is unique. It works to transform social clubs into activist 
organizations. To this end, the federation encourages the clubs' 
attention to the problems of the Italian-American community. It assists 
members in becoming citizens of the United States and educates them to 
the rights guaranteed by the American Constitution. The federation's 
goal is that with the status and knowledge, they may more effectively 
advocate for and serve their community.
  The federation encourages the unification of Italian-American 
societies in Queens, New York, a borough of New York City with a very 
high Italian-American population. It seeks to maintain and promote a 
higher involvement in social and political issues; to teach the belief 
and ideals of the United States; to fight against discrimination and 
derogatory stereotyping; and to provide assistance, support, and 
cultural betterment to its members, among several other goals. It has 
been very successful in these pursuits. I am pleased to report that the 
federation currently assists approximately 10,000 individuals and 
families every year.
  The federation was founded in 1971 by four friends: Anthony Gazzara, 
Vincent Iannece, Tom Bullaro, and Phil Cicciariello. Their original 
goal was to bring together the active Italian-American societies in 
Astoria, Queens, and to revive the traditional parade in honor of 
Christopher Columbus.
  Although poor weather prevented the parade in that first year, 
nevertheless the federation has flourished and today consists of at 
least 22 Italian-American societies in Queens. Through the pursuit of 
its goals, it has become a valuable instrument for addressing the needs 
and problems of the Italian-American community in Queens.
  Mr. Speaker, in the year of its 25th anniversary, I am proud to rise 
in honor of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens. 
It is a truly venerable institution in its community and very worthy of 
the collective tribute of this body here today. Thank you.

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