LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 2012 as Italian Heritage and Culture Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those whose true purpose and worthy accomplishment foster a spirit of
community as they promote and recognize the goals and ideals of the rich
cultural heritage of the Italian community; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2012 as Italian Heritage and Culture
Month in the State of New York, the theme of which is this year "Amerigo
to America; The Legacy of Italians in the Americas," marking the 500th
Anniversary of the death of Amerigo Vespucci, from whom America derives
its name; and
WHEREAS, The quincentenary of the death of Amerigo Vespucci is an
occasion to commemorate not only the explorations of Amerigo Vespucci in
Mundus Novus, the New World, but also to celebrate the ongoing discover-
ies, creativity and ingenuity of Italians in the New World; and
WHEREAS, Vespucci, born and raised in Florence, Italy was an Italian
financier, cartographer, navigator and explorer; working for the Medici
family, he was sent to Seville, Spain to further the Medici's business
interests; he was involved in securing provisions for one of Columbus'
voyages and, subsequently, under the auspices of the King of Spain and
then the King of Portugal, Vespucci, himself participated as an observer
and navigator in, possibly, four voyages to the West in search of a
route to the Indies; and
WHEREAS, Unlike Columbus, he was the first to recognize that the land
they had reached was part of a new continent; and
WHEREAS, In 1509, the cartographer Waldseemuller named that land Amer-
ica, having been familiar with the VESPUCCI LETTERS depicting the
geography, people and culture of that new, separate land; and
WHEREAS, Vespucci's pioneering, courageous spirit has continued in the
legacy of Italian Americans whose creativity was part of the founding
doctrines of the United States; the expansion, building and beautifying
of America; and the scientific and technological discoveries and space
explorations of modem times; and
WHEREAS, Italian Americans are involved in every field of endeavor
just as their counterparts in South America have contributed to the
development of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela; and
WHEREAS, This year's Italian Heritage and Culture Month celebration
began in February with a special Vespucci conference at St. John's
University, Manhattan campus featuring a distinguished Florentine panel
and traveling exhibit; and, on October 5, 2012, Joseph Sciame, President
and Chairman of the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York,
will officiate at the Committee's annual noon Columbus weekend flag
raising ceremony at the Mother Italy statue at Hunter College, kicking-
off the observation of Italian Heritage and Culture Month and many Octo-
ber events, lectures, panels, receptions and proclamations will feature
the Vespucci theme of "discovery"; and
WHEREAS, The Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York, a
not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1976; Dr. Angelo Gimondo,
its Founding Chairman, has played a leadership role since the beginning;
its Board of Directors is composed of prominent representatives of New
York's Italian-American community, and Joseph Sciame continues to ably
serve as its President and Chairman; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Italian Heritage and Culture, which began
as a weeklong event, has grown to a month-long celebration of special

events and programs organized and hosted by cultural associations,
community centers, libraries, schools and universities during the month
of October; and
WHEREAS, Each October is dedicated to a specific theme or personality
representative of the history and culture of Italy and Italian-America-
na; October 2012 marks the 36th Anniversary of Italian Heritage and
Culture Month; and
WHEREAS, Italian-American cultural events and programs venerating
Italian history, culture, and the many significant contributions of
Italians, Italian-Americans, and Italian culture to America will take
place throughout New York State during this special month for people of
all cultures to enjoy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2012 as Italian
Heritage and Culture Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, and Joseph Sciame, President and Chairman of the Italian Heritage
and Cultural Committee of New York, Inc.