[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF THE ITALIAN CULTURAL GARDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2008

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, and colleagues, I rise today in honor 
and recognition of the Italian Cultural Garden, within which the 
beautiful and ancient notes of Italian Opera, will be heard in the 
garden for the first time since 1943.
  The Italian Cultural Garden was formally opened on October 12, 1930, 
in honor of the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of the Italian poet, 
Virgil. Clevelander, business owner and Italian American Philip Garbo 
led the effort to create the garden. His expertise in the areas of 
Renaissance art, along with his commitment to keeping his Italian 
heritage vibrant in Cleveland, is reflected throughout the garden.
  Visitors to the Italian Cultural Garden are awestruck by the 
magnificent sandstone towers that mark the entrance. Once inside, 
exquisite stone walkways and staircases wind through landscapes that 
meander throughout the two-level garden. On the lower level, a stone 
wall fountain adds elegance to a reflective courtyard of circular 
stone. The fountain is flanked on either side by the countenances that 
highlight Italian brilliance: Giotto, Michelangelo, Petrarca, Verdi, da 
Vinci and Marconi.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebration and 
recognition of the Cleveland Italian Cultural Garden. On Friday, June 
27, 2008, the ancient melodies of Italian opera will once again rise 
above the falling water, light, flora and stone in the Italian Cultural 
Garden. The ancient art of opera celebrates the history of Italian 
culture--a culture that covets and encourages artistic discovery; a 
culture that understands the significance of historical preservation; 
and a culture that continues to offer significant contributions to 
Cleveland, to our country and to the world.

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