[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH'S DAY AND THE DOWNRIVER ITALIAN-AMERICAN CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, as members of the Downriver Italian-American 
Club gathered together to celebrate St. Joseph's Day, they celebrated a 
feast day cherished by Italians and Italian-Americans everywhere. 
Honoring the patron saint of families, working men, social justice, and 
the church, St. Joseph is remembered in the Catholic tradition as the 
husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus Christ. Celebrated 
across the villages of Italy on March 19th as a day of feast, the 
traditions of St. Joseph's Day continue to be honored by families 
outside of Italy by sharing the blessings of food, family, and good 
fortune with those in need.
  Our nation's estimated 25 million Italian-Americans from all walks of 
life have left a permanent and undeniable mark on the history of 
America. From Alphonse de Tonty, the co-founder of Detroit, Michigan to 
Mother Frances Cabrini, the first American to be canonized, Italian-
Americans have contributed in countless ways to the greatness of this 
country. Today, the strong relationship between the United States and 
Italy is a testament to the countless immigrants from Italy who made 
America their home generations ago.
  Here in Michigan, the seeds of the Downriver Italian-American Club 
were planted when Joseph Menna of Trenton and Salvatore DiPasquale of 
Wyandotte visualized an Italian club inclusive of all the downriver 
communities in the fall of 1970. One year later, on April 28, 1971, 
with just 41 members and a slate of officers, they celebrated the 
chartered birth of the Downriver Italian-American Club and began a 
tradition for generations to come. Today, with a seventeen-member Board 
of Directors and social, civic, and entertainment committees, the 
Downriver Italian-American Club is a thriving center of language, 
culture, music, and social events. With over 500 members, communities 
are able to join together and celebrate Italian culture, traditions, 
food and wine. Joyfully celebrating St. Joseph's Day, the Downriver 
Italian-American Club continues to bring the traditions of Italian 
culture and customs to families across Michigan.
  Italian Americans are an integral part of this nation's success. As 
Italians and Italian-Americans celebrate the holiday commemorating St. 
Joseph, we join them in their tribute and honor the contributions 
Americans of Italian descent have made to our great country.

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