L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 26 A t the end of World War II, Italy became a Republic, convincingly inspired by the principles of solidarity, jus- tice and democracy, which are still indispensable foundations of the nation's life. Th is is the mes s age once again highlighted at the celebra- tions of the 71st anniversary of the birth of the Italian Republic, which took place at the Italian Cultural Ins titute in Los Angeles. "The Italian Republic," Consul General Antonio Verde underlined, "is firmly founded on universal values of freedom, justice, equality and respect for human rights, a valuable contri- bution to progress and peace for the international community and the rich diversity of its compo- nents." A journey, an accomplish- ment that is renewed every day through a thous an d facets , thanks in part to the enthusiasm and intense work of Sistema Italia - the network of Italian officials present in Los Angeles, coordinated by the Consulate General, working to further fos- ter and expand cultural, econom- ic and scientific links that unite our nation to the United States of America. Connections over the years have been strengthened thanks to the tremendous contribution that Italians and Italian- Americans have brought to the development of this generous host nation through their work, creativity and the passion that has always characterized them. And with regard to Italian excellence, this year, the god- dess of the event organized by the Consulate General of Italy w as the w ell-know n Italian actress, Francesca Inaudi, who reminded us of the importance of the role of women in the vote of June 2, 1946, a historic vote which led to the birth of the Republic. "It's difficult," she added with irony, "to give birth to anything without the help of a woman." On the podium, the popular Neapolitan actor Luca Riemma was able to bring moments of joy to the evening. A line of altar boys joined the host with Monsignor Antonio Cacciapuoti who opened the festivities with a rite of blessing to the communi- ty in the room. The notes of the National Anthems, elegantly interpreted by soprano Elisabetta Russo - accompanied by Trio Jasmine Tommas o - and by baritone Gino Gaudio, carried us onward to the celebrations. The former M inis ter of Agriculture and Environment, Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio (arriv- ing from Italy for the occasion), and the creators of the ClHub incubator - a project designed to accelerate business growth, were also among the testimonials of the evening. Born in Sardinia, ClHub has also opened its own subsidiaries in Santa Monica and London, and is now engaged in the internationalization of Italian s tartups (food -tech, des ign, renewable energies and other innovative sectors) to further boost Italy's penetration into the LA Silicon Beach ecosystem. The solemn backdrop of the event was then revived by the sophisticated creations of Emilio Cavallini, the artist who subse- quently inaugurated design week with the show "Harmony Runs on a Thread." To further foster the involve- ment of younger bands and to promote the extraordinary vari- ety of Italian food and agricul- ture, the Cons ulate G eneral launched a new social initiative on J une 2nd - #TheExtraordinary ItalianTaste Photo Contest – which is a con- test on Twitter and Facebook born in collaboration w ith L'Italo-Americano and with the involvement of many chefs and STAFF June 2 celebrates human rights, tradition and creative innovation of Italian artists and entrepreneurs LOS ANGELES ITALIAN COMMUNITY food bloggers. "This is an out- reach action," the Cons ul stressed, "as part of the govern- ment's ongoing efforts to further enhance Italian creativity and excellence abroad." First place winner with the most likes & shares was Antonio Gerli, who brought home a round trip ticket to Italy offered by ProTravel International. Other awards were offered by D ream Racing - Italian S port Cars D riving Experience in Las Vegas, by the res tau rant D a P as quale, by Lamb orghini, by M atteo Pasquini Coffee, and by L'Italo- Americano. But the National Holiday, as usual, was also an occasion to honor personalities that have given exceptional service to the country in the civil, social, eco- nomic or cultural field. And this year, receiving the Honorary Commitment of the Order of the S tar of Italy, w as the w ell- known American actor Richard Harrison, one of the protagonists of the extraordinary season of Italian cinema from Hollywood sul Tevere (Hollywood on the Tiber). A true friend of Italy (for which he has always expressed deep gratitude for the possibili- ties offered by our country for the achievement of full artistic maturity), and an enthusiastic testimony to the vibrance of our cinema and the Italian Way of Life, Richard Harrison was said to be moved and happy to receive a recognition such as the crowning of a life spent in the name of love for our nation – and not least of all, his marriage to Francesca Harrison, a real Pugliese, delegate of the Italian K itchen A cademy in Los Angeles. The Honorary Award for the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic was reserved to an entrepreneur of Italian origins, Alexander Cappello, as a recog- nition for his constant commit- ment to promoting Italy and its best productions in the US and international markets. The high level of participa- tion of local authorities was also remarkable (who handed over to the Consul General traditional proclamations, the official cards of the various administrations), the Consular Body, Committees and other representatives of the communities of the business world, of scientific research, startups, universities, arts and cinema. Attending the celebrations were also representatives of numerous Italian universities and educational establishments who came to Los Angeles to promote studies opportunities in Italy at the annual NAFSA con- ference. Advanced Italian technology w as als o repres ented by Lamborghini, who in the space in front of the Ins titute of Culture, revealed one of the only two "Huracan Performante" cars currently present in the United States, as a symbol of Italy's modernity and of its innovation capacity. And finally, at the end of the celebrations was the host kitchen of D rago, a lively expression of quality between tradition and innovation, the unmistakable "Made in Italy" brand. Consul General Antonio Verde at the June 2nd celebrations at IIC LA The notes of the National Anthems, elegantly inter- preted by soprano Elisabetta Russo Trio Jasmine Tommaso Italian actress Francesca Inaudi

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