[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 100 (Friday, June 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1199]
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

                         Friday, June 29, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Italian 
Cultural Garden, a Cleveland landmark that will be dedicating a statue 
of the great author Dante Alighieri and celebrating the 66th 
anniversary of the Republic of Italy on June 29, 2012.
  The 254 acre piece of land that constitutes Rockefeller Park was 
donated to the City of Cleveland by John D. Rockefeller in 1896. The 
Cleveland Cultural Gardens were founded in 1926 to create a memorial 
area for the diverse ethnic groups that shape the region, and to serve 
as a space for reflection on peace, cooperation and understanding. The 
Cultural Gardens are currently a collection of 26 gardens which include 
African-American, American Indian, British, Chinese, Czech, Estonian, 
and Slovenian gardens, among others.
  The Italian Cultural Garden was established in 1930 ``as a symbol of 
the contribution of Italian culture to American democracy.'' It lies in 
Rockefeller Park among 35 other cultural gardens representing the 
diverse ethnic populations of Cleveland. The Italian Garden is the 
most-visited of all the gardens and is the venue of various free 
concerts.
  The Italian Cultural Garden has been in the process of a massive 
restoration since 2007. The garden was enhanced with new historic 
lampposts, new fountains and new statues. More renovations are planned 
for the future.
  Currently, the garden honors noteworthy figures in Italian history, 
including Giotto, Michelangelo, and Guglielmo Marconi. The addition of 
Dante Alighieri, the author of The Divine Comedy and a master of the 
Italian language, will pay tribute to this outstanding Italian and 
symbolize the contributions of Cleveland's Italian community. The 
ceremony will be hosted by the Italian Cultural Garden Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Italian 
Cultural Garden, a historic landmark and tribute to Cleveland's beloved 
Italian community.

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