Assembly Resolution No. 520

BY: M. of A. DenDekker

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 5, 2017, as Italian American Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize celebrations which foster
ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 5, 2017, as
Italian American Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Italian American Day is a joyous celebration of culture,
civic conviviality and other merriment, held annually throughout the
State of New York, in commemoration of the Republic of Italy's National
Holiday, "Festa Della Repubblica Italiana," Italy's 4th of July; and

WHEREAS, Festa della Repubblica is the Italian National Day and
Republic Day, which is celebrated on June 2nd of each year; and

WHEREAS, The day commemorates the institutional referendum held by
universal suffrage in 1946, in which the Italian people were called to
the polls to decide on the form of government, following the World War
II and the fall of fascism; and

WHEREAS, Prior to the foundation of the Republic, the Italian
national day was the first Sunday in June, anniversary of the granting
of the Statuto Albertino; and

WHEREAS, From 1977 to 1999, due to economic reasons, this was the
date of the celebrations for the 1946 foundation of the republic; the
June 2nd date became official in 2000 and the first official parade was
held in Turin in 1961 to mark the centennial year of Italian
unification; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious day provides an opportunity to celebrate
the significant contributions of Italian Americans so that all people
may know and appreciate Italian history and traditions, and of the role
Italian Americans have played, and will continue to play, in our
society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 5, 2017, as
Italian American Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.