[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16899]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 CONGRATULATORY REMARKS TO THE INTEGRITY LODGE NO. 79 OF THE ORDER OF 
        ITALIAN SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA'S 65TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KLINK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2000

  Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Integrity 
Lodge No. 79 of the Order of Italian Sons and Daughters of America on 
the occasion of its 65th anniversary.
  The Integrity Lodge No. 79 was founded in 1935 by Gabriel Falleroni 
and received its charter on March 31, 1935. Integrity Lodge No. 79, 
which began with approximately 60 members, now serves as a cultural 
resource for hundreds of Italian-Americans. It has been a bastion for 
unity for all members of the Italian-American community in Allegheny 
County.
  The Lodge has been housed in the same location, Mile Lock Lane, since 
1951, where it continues to hold its weekly meetings up to this day. 
Dedicated to promoting ideals of good citizenship and brotherly love, 
it is committed, and has been from the very beginning in 1935, to 
furthering the principles of liberty, unity and duty among the 
community.
  Western Pennsylvania was fortunate to receive its share of the 
western European settlers who immigrated to the United States in the 
early 1900's, many of whom were Italian immigrants. Due to the large 
number of Italian immigrants, western Pennsylvania was exposed to a 
wonderful new culture and was able to reap its benefits with the help 
of organizations such as Lodge No. 79. For years, members of the 
Integrity Lodge promoted Italian heritage by introducing all aspects of 
Italian culture to the community, including Italian games such as 
bocce. Let it be noted that members of the Lodge were very proficient 
in bocce and were extremely enthusiastic participants in the game. 
Members of the Lodge were such avid players that they eventually 
created their own Bocce League. Through the work of its current 
president, Mrs. Greco, and many others at Integrity Lodge No. 79, the 
emphasis on Italian culture and traditions continues to flourish.
  Integrity Lodge is known throughout Allegheny County as not just an 
Italian-American organization, but as an outstanding member of the 
community. Since its conception, the Lodge has taken an active part in 
civic and community functions. It has been noted for its generous 
contributions to several charitable organizations in Allegheny County.
  And so it is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues to join me 
in congratulating Integrity Lodge No. 79 of the Order of Italian Sons 
and Daughters of America, past and present, on the celebration of its 
first 65 years, with best wishes for the next 65, and beyond.

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