[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 150 (Friday, October 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 1999

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a 
distinct and important group in this country--Italian-Americans. 
Earlier this month, the Massachusetts State Legislature passed a law 
observing the month of October as Italian-American Heritage Month. This 
law recognizes the countless contributions bestowed on our country's 
rich national heritage by Italian-Americans. Today, I'm introducing a 
resolution that supports the goals and ideas of Italian-American 
Heritage Month nationwide.
  Over the past 200 years, 5.4 million Italians have immigrated to the 
United States. Today more than 26 million Americans are of Italian 
descent, 72,000 alone reside in the Eighth District of Massachusetts. 
As this country's fifth largest ethnic group, Italian-Americans have 
brought to our communities a tireless work ethic, a strong sense of 
family cohesion, and an artistically rich culture. This unique and 
profound impact of Italian culture has become an integral part of the 
American way of life. In fact, many Italian-Americans have gone on to 
become prominent in our Nation's academic, industrial, entertainment, 
and political fields.
  Nearly every American has experienced the unique contributions of 
Italian-Americans. Famous Italian-Americans like hall of fame baseball 
player Joe DiMaggio, world-renowned composer Henry Mancini, singer and 
songwriter Frank Sinatra, and Oscar winner Robert DeNiro have provided 
all Americans with many forms of entertainment. Millions of Americans 
have experienced the brilliance of Constantine Brumidi, an Italian 
immigrant, who was the artistic prodigy behind the elaborate paintings 
in the United States Capitol. Other Italian-Americans have enriched our 
political process, including political figures such as Fiorella La 
Guardia, both mayor and Congressman from New York City, Anthony 
Celebrezze, who served during John F. Kennedy's administration and was 
the first Italian-American Cabinet member, and Antonin Scalia, who is 
the first Italian-American appointed to the Supreme Court.
  I invite every Member to join me in celebrating the tremendous impact 
Italian-Americans have made to our Nation and our national identity.

                          ____________________