[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 16, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H1849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     COMMEMORATING ST. JOSEPH'S DAY

  (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
rich history of the Italian American community in the United States as 
we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph--La Festa Di San Giuseppe--on 
March 19. St. Joseph was credited with preventing a famine in Sicily in 
the Middle Ages, and the Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated widely among 
Italian Americans--including my family and many others across my home 
State of Rhode Island--and is an opportunity to recall the many 
contributions of Italian Americans to our country and to honor the 
patron saint of the family.
  Here in the United States, we recognize the powerful impact of the 
Italian American experience, which began five centuries ago with the 
explorations of Vespucci and Verrazano. Italian Americans represent 
some of this country's, and indeed the world's, foremost innovators--in 
health and science, business and industry, politics and government, 
arts and culture.
  In celebrating the many milestones of the Italian American heritage 
on this Feast of St. Joseph, we honor the lives, work, and rich history 
of Italian Americans throughout our Nation.
  Buona Festa Di San Giuseppe, Happy St. Joseph's Day, to everyone.

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