A
L
T
R
E
V
O
C
I
May / June 2005
N
E W S L E T T E R
Volume 24 no. 3
O F
T H E
I
T A L I A N
C
U L T U R A L
S
O C I E T Y
In Defense of Our Country
Italian Americans have served our country in times of peace and war. They have a proud history
of military service. Countless Italian Americans have distinguished themselves by their bravery
but their contributions have been overlooked by historians.
Italians have fought in every major American conflict. During the Revolutionary War, three
regiments from Italy totaling 1,500 men assisted the Colonists. Hundreds of Americans of Italian
descent also served in the Revolutionary War. In New York State, 49 members of the Fonda family
alone served in the Revolutionary War. Of the first five warships commissioned by the Continental
Congress, three were named after famous Italian seamen: Christopher Columbus, John Cabot
(Giovanni Caboto) and Andrea Doria. In 1805, Thomas Jefferson recruited fourteen musicians
Italian American War Veterans Memorial in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
from Italy to form the first United States Marine Band.
During the Civil War, more than 200 officers in the Union and Confederate armies were Italian American. The ranks of the Union Army included
four Italian American generals, including Brigadier General Liugi Palma Di Cesnola. Civil War hero di Cesnola, an Italian immigrant who arrived at
age 26, was the first Italian American to receive the Medal of Honor. He later became the first Director of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In World War I, an estimated 400,000 Italian Americans served in the war effort. While Italian Americans constituted about 4% of the United
States population at the time, 10% of the casualties were Italian. Despite proving their loyalty to the United States in war, Congress passed restrictive
immigration laws to limit Italian immigration three years later. They were not repealed until 1965.
Italian Americans made an enormous contribution to the winning of World War II. More than one million Italian Americans, an estimated 10 %
of the armed forces, comprised the largest ethnic group in the American military.
In December 1941, at the outbreak of World War II, Italians were the largest European born immigrant group in the United States. The millions of
children born to this generation of immigrants and to native Italian Americans provided large numbers of Italian American men and women for the
war effort. During the early days of the wartime hysteria when there was talk of interning all the Italian Americans in the United States because Italy
was on the other side of the fight, President Roosevelt decided against it when he was informed that over 10% of the armed forces were Italian
American.
Still, some 700,000 Italian immigrants - all legal residents of the United States - were restricted during the war on the home-front while their
children and grandchildren won the war. Hundreds of others were interned. In one California town, the government saluted nine Italian mothers,
each of whom had four sons in the US armed forces. Seven of these mothers were not American citizens and were restricted so they could not even
visit their sons before they were sent overseas. Even Joe Di Maggio's father, who had been in the United States for 30 years but had not become a
citizen, was not permitted to visit his famous sons restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf because of the wartime restrictions.
Tens of thousands of Italian Americans died for their country during the war. In Newark New Jersey, the local newspaper reported that about 65%
of the soldiers from there were Italian American. In Boston's Little Italy, "the North End," hundreds of black metal memorial signs were placed above
regular street signs, indicating a neighborhood son killed in action. In Occidental, California, 90 percent of those killed in action were of Italian
ancestry. This loss was repeated in Italian neighborhoods across the country.
The war produced a galaxy of Italian American hero's. Rosie Bonavita became the symbol for nearly three million American women working in
factories and shipyards during World War II. She is better known as "Rosie the Riveter."
In the Pacific, Marine sergeant John Basilone, the son of an Italian immigrant tailor, emerged as one of the first Italian Americans to be commended
for military valor and the first enlisted man to receive the Medal of Honor during the war. Basilone was the only man in US history to win the country's
two highest honors - the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor. General Douglas MacArthur described him as "a one man army," when he took on an
entire Japanese regiment with his machine gun for three days and nights on Guadalcanal in October, 1942. He returned home a hero and raised more
than $1 million in war bonds but volunteered for the Navy and returned to the Pacific theater. Basilone died during the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945 at
age 29. The US Postal Service is set to issue a stamp in his honor in November 2005.
Captain Dominic Salvatore Gentile never received the Medal of Honor but he did receive 26 medals including our country's second highest award,
the Distinguished Service Cross - twice. At the height of World War II, General Dwight Eisenhower referred to Captain Gentile as "a one man air
force," for downing 30 enemy aircraft in 1944 which made him the highest scoring fighter pilot in American history and earned him the title"Ace of
Aces."
In Chicago, the local Italian American War Veterans Post has established a museum exhibit at the Italian Cultural Center there dedicated to the
Italian American war veterans of World War II. One of the only monuments to Italian American war veterans is located at the Italian Cultural Center
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The 10 foot high jet black granite monument features the emblems of each of the five branches of the military and is
dedicated to the memory of Italian Americans who served our country in time of war.
MAY
/ JUNEto2005
ALTRE VOCI
The Italian American participation in American military history
deserves
be hailed and known.
A
L
T
R
E
V
O
C
I
Italian American
Medal of Honor Exhibit: May 15 - June 5
Open Sundays: 12 to 4 pm at the Italian Cultural Center
2791 - 24th Street (24th St. & 4th Avenue)
Film Documentary: Italian American Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor
on Sunday, May 29, 2:00 pm at the Italian Cultural Center
Free and the public is invited
The highest Award for bravery an American can earn in combat, the Medal of Honor, has been awarded 3,459 times since it was established
by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War 144 years ago. This exhibit and the documentary film which accompanies it, honor the
memory of those Italian Americans who, because of their valiant service, received our nations highest honor: the Congressional Medal of
Honor. The exhibit consists of 30 framed portraits of Italian American Medal of Honor recipients and descriptions of the actions that
earned them that distinction. The film and exhibit are free.
20th Festa Italiana - August 6 & 7
Every year Northern California's Italian community gathers together for two days of Italian food, music, dancing,
fun and friendship. This year celebrates the 20th Annual Festa Italiana - and promises to be one of the best festas
ever. Our line up of performers is stellar, with the talents of Moreno Fruzzetti, Graziana, The Expresso 5 Band, Don
Garibaldi, Balliamo, La Danza and The Bambini Dancers. No one can resist the Italian food specialities and drinks
served up at Festa Italiana. Shop the Marketplace, meet the Queen and her Court, see the Italian motor scooters
and classic cars, play bocce and dance the night away. The festa will be held at the festival park and community
center on Auburn Blvd. Mark your calendar and Celebrate everything Italian at the 20th Annual Festa Italiana
Applications are now being accepted for the Festa Queen Pageant. Applicants should be between the ages of 16 and 22. The Festa Queen
is an important representative of the Italian Community and is selected based on her character, community service and dedication to our
Italian heritage and culture. In addition to representing our community at events throughout the year, the Queen will also receive a $1,000
scholarship. Queen contestants should contact Jennifer at [email protected] or (916) 690-5634, to apply. Italian organizations are also
encouraged to nominate applicants for the Festa Queen Pageant.
Vendors who wish to market their products or services in the Festa Marketplace should contact Carol at (916) 722-6476. Restaurants
interested in selling food at the Festa should contact Dominic at (916) 919-2229. We need Festa volunteers to work in the Beverage, Raffle
and Society booths. Festa volunteers should contact Patty at (916) 399-9592 to sign up.
2nd Annual Columbus Day Festival - October 9
Last years Columbus Day Festival was such a great event for our community that we plan to do it again. This
years Columbus Day Festa will feature a Wine and Food Tasting, Art Show and Auction, Music and Dancing,
and our Italian Heritage and Culture. The Festival will be held in mid-town Sacramento at the Michelangelo
Restaurant & Art complex.
We encourage wineries and olive oil producers that wish to participate in the Festival Wine and Olive Oil
Tasting to contact the Society at (916) 482-5900 or [email protected]. We also encourage Restaurants who
wish to participate in the Food Tasting to contact the Society. Artists who wish to participate in the Art Show or
Art Auction should contact Jaye at (916) 488-0800.
This years Columbus Day Festival will also feature an Essay contest and a Poster contest for students at
both the grade school and college levels. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top five essays and also for the top
five posters. Call Jennifer at (916) 690-5634 or [email protected] for details.
124th Italian Picnic & Parade June 4 & 5
This is Festa season and the Italian Benevolent Society of the Gold Country is holding its 124th
Italian Festa on June 4th & 5th on their grounds at Sutter Hill, located on Hwy 49 at the junction of
Hwy 88 between Sutter Creek and Jackson. The festa is on Saturday and Sunday from noon to dark
and features food, music, dancing, bocce and a large Carnival, Ferris Wheel and all. The Parade is
held on Sutter Creek’s Main Street on Sunday at 10:30 am, look for the society dancers. The Italian
Picnic has been organized by the descendants of the Gold Rush Italians since 1881.
Columbus Day Parade - Mokelumne Hill - c. 1890.
2
ALTRE VOCI
MAY / JUNE 2005
A
L
T
R
E
V
O
C
I
Thanksgiving in Tuscany
9 days - Two Departures: Nov. 13 to 21 or Nov. 19 - 27, 2005
This nine day excursion is such a favorite itinerary that we have decided to offer two departures again this year.
The Italian Cultural Society sponsored 9 day tour of the treasures of Tuscany is always a sell out so reserve early
to make sure you visit Florence, Lucca, Siena, Volterra, Pisa, San Gimignano, Montecatini, Viareggio, and the
Chianti Wine Road.
The tour price is $2,099 and includes round trip air from San Francisco to Florence and first class hotel accommodations, all breakfasts
and dinners. Also included are 6 sightseeing tours, and English speaking native Italian Guide, cocktail parties, pre-trip orientation lunch and slide
show. Staying in one hotel for the entire tour makes this the ideal way to visit Italy's most famous region- TUSCANY! The tour's Italian Cultural
Society host is Tuscan native, Patrizia Cinquini Cerruti. Patrizia will arrange a group bus transfer to San Francisco airport for anyone interested. For
information and a complete brochure or to make reservations call (916) 482-5900 or visit www.italiancenter.net.
SUMMER ITALIAN CLASSES
at THE ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTER • 2791 24th Street, Sacramento
Our 5-week summer program is the perfect balance for relaxed summer learning. Prepare for a trip
to Italy with Italian for Travelers and learn basic conversation, useful vocabulary and important phrases.
Three levels of Italian Conversation are the relaxed, teacher led conversation groups guaranteed to improve
your speaking and comprehension. Italiano Uno "Ponte" offers students the perfect opportunity to increase
vocabulary, practice grammar and participate in conversations. All Summer Classes are offered at $95.00. It's fun
and it's easy! Register on line or at the first class meeting. Phone: (916) ITALY -00 482-5900 or on
the web www.italiancenter.net
SUMMER – 2005 – CLASS SCHEDULE
Beginning Conversation:
Intermediate Conversation:
Advanced Conversation:
Day Section: July 6 to Aug. 3
Wednesdays 10:15 am to 12:15 pm
Evening Section: July 6 to Aug. 3
Wednesdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Day Section: July 7 to Aug. 4
Thursdays 10:15 am to 12:15 pm
Evening Section: July 7 to Aug. 4
Thursdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Evening Section: July 5 to Aug. 2
Tuesdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Italian For Travelers:
Beginning Uno Ponte:
Day Section: July 5 to Aug. 2
Tuesdays 10:15 am to 12:15 pm
Evening Section: July 5 to Aug. 2
Tuesdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Review and practice to prepare for
Itailiano Due!
Evening Section: July 7 to Aug. 4
Thursdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Ciao Italia and Ciao Piccoli
In addition to our 5 week CIAO ITALIA and CIAO PICCOLI programs The Italian Language School
has developed some very special Summer Camp programs for bambini (children). Please Pre-register
at www.italiancenter.net or call (916) 482-5900.
Ciao Italia:
Pinocchio Camp:
May 15 - June 12, Sundays: 1:00 to 2:30 pm
Children ages 6 to 12 will enjoy Italian language
and culture. $35.
June 21, 22, 23 from 9:00 to 12 noon
A three day summer Italian adventure
for ages 6-12. $95.
Ciao Piccoli Preschool
Monday’s, May 9 to June 6
Ages 3 1/2 to 5 years: 9:30 to 10:30 am
Ages 2 to 3 1/2 years: 11:00 to 12:00 pm
Friday’s, May 13 to June 10
Ages 2 to 3 1/2 years: 9:30 to 10:30 am
Ages 3 1/2 to 5 years: 11:00 to 12:00 pm
Ciao Piccoli Summer Camps for Bambini ages 2 to 5. Enroll in one or all $20 per camp. $75 for all four.
Friday June 24
Friday July 8
Friday July 22
Friday August 5
Il Picnic e Il Parco
Lo Zoo
Il Pigiama Party
Arte nella Natura
MAY / JUNE 2005
ALTRE VOCI
3
A
L
T
R
E
V
O
C
I
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
ALTRE VOCI
P A I D
OTHER VOICES
Permit No. 368
Sacramento, CA
The newsletter of Sacramento’s
ITALIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY
Box 189427, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) ITALY-00 (482-5900)
FAX (916) ITALY-09 (482-5909)
EMAIL: [email protected]
www.italiancenter.net
ALTRE VOCE (Other Voices) is published by
Sacramento’s Italian Cultural Society, a non-profit
membership organization devoted to Italian Americans,
their interests and concerns. Membership is open to
anyone of good character. Please contact the Italian
Cultural Society for information.
Return Service Requested
ITALIAN FILM SERIES
Friday, May 20 at 8 pm
“Fellini’s Roma”
Acclaimed director Federico Fellini’s
autobiographical tribute to his beloved Rome
in Italian with English subtitles (1972)
Friday, June 10 at 8 pm
“Iris BLONDE”
There’s something wild about Iris
...a romantic comedy
In Italian with English Subtitles.
Both films are free to the public and shown at the Italian Center, 2791 24th St. - rm 13
ALTRE VOCI
MAY / JUNE 2005