LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the late Luigi Del Bianco of
Port Chester, New York, in recognition of his outstanding craftsmanship
and the role he played in helping to carve Mount Rushmore, one of Ameri-
ca's most awe-inspiring treasures

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of historic and artistic significance whose creative talents
and exceptional workmanship have contributed to the cultural enrichment
of our communities and our Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to the late Luigi Del Bianco of Port Chester, New York, in recogni-
tion of his outstanding craftsmanship and the role he played in helping
to carve Mount Rushmore, one of America's most awe-inspiring treasures;
and
WHEREAS, A ceremony to posthumously honor Luigi Del Bianco and his
remarkable work will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at the North
Regent Street Plaza, in the Village of Port Chester, New York; and
WHEREAS, The anniversary of the unveiling of the Mount Rushmore
National Monument is celebrated annually on the Fourth of July; every
year more than three million people travel to South Dakota to see and
appreciate the majesty of Mount Rushmore; and
WHEREAS, In the town of Port Chester, New York, residents fondly
remember their neighbor, Luigi Del Bianco, known as the man who helped
carve Mount Rushmore; through his art and his upstanding character, he
became an integral part of his community; and
WHEREAS, Luigi Del Bianco always exemplified the best of America, from
the day in 1908 when he arrived in America from Italy, at the young age
of 16, until his death in 1969; and
WHEREAS, Educated in Austria in stonecutting and carving, Luigi Del
Bianco, an artist and craftsman, understood hard work and dedication
were the route to success; his dedication to both his native and adopted
countries, and his appreciation of his rich heritage were both evident
when he returned to Italy to defend against Austro-Hungarian invaders in
World War I, fighting in the Italian Army alongside American and Allied
troops; and
WHEREAS, Returning after the war to Port Chester, Luigi Del Bianco
married and, on January 13, 1928, proudly became a citizen of the United
States, a status he always cherished; and
WHEREAS, For more than 20 years, Luigi Del Bianco was a trusted lieu-
tenant of the famous sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and assisted him on the
Wars of America Memorial in Newark, New Jersey, the Stone Mountain
project in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and the Mount Rushmore National
Monument in South Dakota; and
WHEREAS, At Mount Rushmore, Luigi Del Bianco distinguished himself as
chief carver, where he concentrated on refining the expressions on the
faces, and contributed greatly to the eyes of Abraham Lincoln, which are
considered to be among the most lifelike and artistic parts of the monu-
ment; and
WHEREAS, Raising a fine family to continue the Del Bianco tradition of
citizenship and patriotism, Luigi Del Bianco was truly a man who made a
great impression on all those he met and exemplified the great American
values of hard work and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Luigi Del Bianco was a fine artist who made an indelible
contribution to the United States; his life and work are reminders of
the greatness of the American ideal which we celebrate every year on
Independence Day as we observe our nation's birthday; and

WHEREAS, It is most fitting we take time to honor our artists and
celebrate the arts of our Nation; the creative work of Luigi Del Bianco
will be remembered for many generations, particularly by those who had,
or will have, the opportunity to visit Mount Rushmore; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the late Luigi Del Bianco of Port Chester, New York, in
recognition of his outstanding craftsmanship and the role he played in
helping to carve Mount Rushmore, one of America's most awe-inspiring
treasures; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Luigi Del Bianco.