[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 41 (Monday, October 15, 2001)]
[Pages 1439-1441]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Signing the Columbus Day Proclamation

October 8, 2001

    Thank you very much. I'm glad I invited you. [Laughter] Thank you 
all for coming. Laura and I are delighted to have you here to celebrate 
Columbus Day. Since 1934, when Franklin Roosevelt first proclaimed the 
national holiday, our entire Nation has observed Columbus Day to mark 
that moment when the Old World met the New. We honor the man from Genoa 
and the vision that carried him throughout his 10-week voyage. And we 
recognize--as well, we recognize the unique contributions that people of 
Italian descent have made here in our country for more than five 
centuries.
    Italian-Americans were among the many public servants last month who 
gave extraordinary service in an hour of dire emergency. Some are with 
us today. The fire department of Arlington, Virginia, was first on the 
scene after the attack on the Pentagon. And we're so honored to have 
Battalion Chief Jim Bonzano with us today.
    We have representatives of the New York Police and Fire Departments 
with us, representatives of people who showed incredible bravery and 
sacrifice and determination. Please welcome Joe Esposito and Chief Dan 
Nigro.
    Chief Nigro is the successor of Peter Ganci, Jr., whom I had the 
privilege of meeting 2 years ago. Chief Ganci gave his life at the World 
Trade Center and was laid to rest on September the 15th. We're so 
delighted today to have heroes here representing the Ganci family, his 
wife, his two sons, and his daughters. Welcome, and thank you for being 
here.
    I can't remember if it was Chris or Peter III who looked out at the 
South Lawn and said, ``God, I wish Dad were here. He could hit a three 
wood right over the fence.'' [Laughter] I said, ``It might make him 
nervous; he might shank it into the water.'' [Laughter] He said, ``No, 
you don't know my dad.''

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    I want to thank the Sons of Italy who have joined us today, as well 
as the leadership of the National Italian American Foundation and UNICO 
National who are here, as well. Thank you all for coming.
    Ambassador Salleo from Italy, we're so glad you're here, and thank 
you for bringing your wife with you, as well. I just got off the phone 
call with your Prime Minister, Prime Minister Berlusconi, who is a good 
friend of mine and a good friend of America's. He sends his best, by the 
way. Welcome.
    I want to thank the Members of Congress who are here. Thank you all 
for coming. And I also am so pleased that the first Italian-American to 
serve on our Supreme Court has agreed to join us, as well. Justice 
Scalia, thank you for being here, sir.
    I'm proud to have a number of Italian-Americans in my 
administration. A member of my Cabinet unfortunately is not here, but I 
can assure you he's doing a great job, and that's Tony Principi--so 
proud of Tony's service to the veterans of our country. He's doing a 
really outstanding job.
    As you know, that sometimes we have to do battle on Capitol Hill. I 
try to avoid those battles, but occasionally it has to happen. And 
therefore, I picked an Italian-American to lead that battle for the 
White House--[laughter]--Nick Calio. Where are you, Nick? There you are. 
I know Congresswoman Pelosi is saying, all you've got to do is do it the 
way she tells you to, and things will be fine. [Laughter] I'm also 
honored that Gian-Carlo Peressutti of my staff has put this event 
together. And I want to thank Gian-Carlo, as well, for his hard work.
    Our White House has been--has welcomed many entertainers before. And 
today we have the honor of welcoming a lady who you all know well, whose 
mom had entertained at the White House years ago. She entertained the 
Kennedys. And today, after I sign the proclamation, Liza Minnelli has 
agreed to entertain us in this beautiful room in this beautiful house of 
the people.
    I was in New York last week. Like all Americans, I am amazed at what 
a great job the New York City folks are doing, the spirit of New York, 
the willingness for people to pull together and to help a neighbor in 
need. And I'm most impressed by the character of the leadership there, 
two people of Italian heritage, I might add, the Governor--[laughter]--
and Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
    The evil ones thought they were going to hurt us, and they did to a 
certain extent. But what they really did was, they enabled the world to 
see the true character and compassion and spirit of our country, and no 
finer example than that in New York City.
    This Columbus Day should be one of deep pride for all Americans--all 
Americans--especially those for Italian descent. From the very beginning 
of our country, the sons and daughters of Italy have brought honor to 
themselves and have enriched our national life. In the beauty of this 
Capital City, we see the hand of Italian immigrants who spent more than 
10 years carving the great seated figure in the Lincoln Memorial, who 
adorned the National Cathedral with statues, and who graced the dome and 
corridors of the Capitol building with magnificent art.
    Our freedom itself was gained with the help of three Italian 
regiments that crossed the Atlantic to fight in the Revolutionary War. 
Our Declaration of Independence bears the signature of two Italian-
Americans. In later struggle, dozens of Italian-Americans would receive 
the Medal of Honor. And today, when Americans pay tribute to ``The 
Greatest Generation,'' we have in mind people like Captain Don Gentile, 
the fighting ace who General Eisenhower described as a ``one-man air 
force.''
    Take any field of endeavor, any achievement of this country, and 
Italian-Americans are part of it. For generation after generation, the 
success of our country has drawn heavily from the industry and 
resourcefulness of Italian immigrants and their families. The same can 
be said for the values that make us a great nation. The millions who 
came here brought with them a distinct strength of character, faith in 
God, devotion to family, and love of life.
    This summer I visited Genoa, where 550 years ago Christopher 
Columbus was born. All around that vibrant, modern city are glimpses of 
the ancient civilization that still inspires the world's admiration and 
always will. In so many ways, that culture has added to our own, first 
on three small ships, then

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on many more. It is our good fortune to be an immigrant nation, to be 
the keepers of traditions and gifts that have come to us from great 
nations like Italy. More than 15 million Americans claim Italian 
heritage. And all Americans have reason to be grateful, because we would 
be poorer without it.
    I now have the singular honor of signing the official document 
proclaiming October 8th, 2001, as Columbus Day in the United States of 
America.

Note: The President spoke at 3:09 p.m. in the East Room at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to James Bonzano, battalion chief, 
Arlington County Fire Department; Joseph J. Esposito, chief, New York 
City Police Department; Daniel A. Nigro, chief, Fire Department-City of 
New York; Kathleen Ganci, widow of New York City Fire Department Chief 
Peter Ganci, Jr., and their children, Christopher, Peter III, and 
Danielle; Ambassador Fernando Salleo, Italian Ambassador to the United 
States, and his wife, Anna Maria; Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of 
Italy; Gov. George E. Pataki of New York; and Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani 
of New York City.