L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 32 L'Italo-Americano l a r g e - s c a l e i n t e r n a t i o n a l events. This aligns perfectly with the theme of innovation a n d e x c e l l e n c e t h a t r a n through Valentini's speech. Additionally, Valentini mentioned that, in 30 days, Los Angeles will welcome the Amerigo Vespucci ship for the first time. "The Amerigo Vespucci, often referred to as the most beautiful ship in the world, serves as a training vessel for the Italian Navy. Its visit to Los Angeles will be a significant cultural and diplomatic event, symboliz- ing Italy's rich maritime her- itage and its commitment to fostering international rela- tions, said the Consul Gener- al. A l o n g s i d e t h e A m e r i g o Vespucci, the Italian aerial display team, the Frecce T r i c o l o r i , will perform: known for their precision and thrilling maneuvers, the Frecce Tricolori represent the pinnacle of Italian avia- tion skill and tradition. Their performance will be a high- l i g h t o f t h e c e l e b r a t i o n s , showcasing Italian excel- lence and captivating audi- e n c e s w i t h t h e i r a e r i a l artistry. Furthermore, the construction of the first Vil- laggio Italia in the world was announced: this initia- tive aims to create a cultural and economic hub that will foster Italian innovation and heritage in Los Angeles. Vil- laggio Italia will serve as a events leading up to 2028, including the US Open Golf Championship in 2025, the All-Star Basketball Champi- onship, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and the Super Bowl in 2027. These events will place Los Angeles at the cen- ter of the global sports stage, bringing together athletes and fans from around the w o r l d . " T h e O l y m p i c s , i n particular, will not only be a celebration of sports but also a testament to the city's abil- i t y t o i n n o v a t e a n d h o s t center for Italian businesses, cultural activities, and com- munity events, strengthening the ties between Italy and the local community. It will be a place where Italian tra- ditions meet American inno- vation, creating opportuni- ties for collaboration and cultural exchange. Valentini's speech empha- sized the deep cultural and economic ties between Italy and the United States, the innovative spirit shared by both nations and the impor- tance of imagining a future that builds on a rich histori- cal legacy while embracing modern advancements. The celebration of Republic Day at Warner Bros. Studio not only honored Italy's history and democratic values but a l s o s h o w e d i t s m o d e r n achievements and contribu- tions to the global communi- ty. T h e s p e e c h c o n c l u d e d with heartfelt thanks to all attendees and a call to con- tinue nurturing the strong relationship between Italy and the United States. Valen- tini's words resonated with the audience, highlighting the shared values and mutu- al respect that form the foun- dation of this enduring part- nership. This year's celebration of I t a l y ' s R e p u b l i c D a y a t Warner Bros. Studio was a true tribute to Italy's past, present, and future, and a reminder of the country's j o u r n e y f r o m a w a r - t o r n nation to a symbol of democ- racy and innovation. The event celebrated the spirit of Italian ingenuity, creativity, and resilience, and highlight- ed how these qualities con- tinue to shape Italy's role on the global stage. The event also served as a reminder of the importance of cultural and economic exchange in today's interconnected world and highlighted how Italy and the United States can learn from each other and w o r k t o g e t h e r t o a c h i e v e common goals. By honoring t h e i r s h a r e d h i s t o r y a n d looking forward to future collaborations, both nations can continue to thrive and c o n t r i b u t e t o g l o b a l progress. with the sports world, 70 days before the start of the Paris Olympics. O n e o f t h e s i g n i f i c a n t h i g h l i g h t s o f V a l e n t i n i ' s speech was the upcoming transfer of the Olympic flag to Los Angeles for the 2 0 2 8 S u m m e r O l y m p i c s . "This event symbolizes Los Angeles' unique status and its vibrant future. Los Ange- les will be the only city to h a v e h o s t e d t h e S u m m e r Olympics three times, with a s e r i e s o f m a j o r s p o r t i n g cultural, political, and acade- mic ties in the region. These institutions work tirelessly to p r o m o t e I t a l i a n c u l t u r e , facilitate trade, and provide essential consular services to Italians living abroad. They serve as a bridge, connecting Italian heritage and innova- t i o n w i t h A m e r i c a n dynamism and opportuni- ties. I t a l i a n t e c h n o l o g y a n d applied research, communi- cation 2.0, and innovation were showcased for the occa- sion, along with the best of Italian food and wine, with r e m i x e d v i n t a g e I t a l i a n music, Ferraris on display and a fashion show orga- nized by a group of young designers from the Accade- mia Italiana del Lusso fashion school. The garments presented were inspired by F e l l i n i ' s D o l c e V i t a . T h i s year's "Master of Ceremony" was Jason Richardson, a former track and field athlete who won a silver medal for the United States at the 2012 London Olympics. Jason, who has a great passion for Italy, currently works for the organizing committee of the LA2028 Olympics and will t h u s r e p r e s e n t t h e n e x u s Consul General Valentini during her speech (Photo: Tom Wayne Bertolotti) Consul General Valentini's speech highlighted the innovative spirit of both Warner Bros. Studios and Italy, drawing a parallel between the two as creators of dreams and pioneers in their respective fields. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 LOS ANGELES ITALIAN COMMUNITY

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