LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 2014 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 2014 as Italian Heritage and Culture
Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Italian Heritage and Culture Committee (IHCC) 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 represen-
tatives of New York's Italian-American community, and Joseph Sciame
continues to ably serve as its President and Chairman; and
WHEREAS, IHCC's Board of Directors, consisting of Italian and Itali-
an-American leaders in Greater New York, announced the 2014 theme:
Celebrating the Italian American Experience... Legends and
Icons...Italian Americans in Sports; and
WHEREAS, The theme, which parallels the theme announced by the Italian
Embassy in Washington, D.C., is celebrated throughout this year, espe-
cially highlighted during Italian Heritage and Culture Month; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the year, there will be events celebrating the
lives and legends of Italian Americans in Sports, several of whom are
role models to many; in addition, there will be related lectures,
panels, receptions and proclamations at every level of government, in
collaboration with the Italian Consulate, educational institutions and
other community organizations; and
WHEREAS, Following last year's theme of "Year of Italian Culture in
the United States," the IHCC-NY agreed it was appropriate to celebrate
the Italian American Experience in Sports, and applaud so many first and
second generation Italian Americans, from modest, immigrant origins who
reached the top of their field, through hard work, perseverance, good
moral character and, love for family and their country, America; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Italian Heritage and Culture, which began
as a week-long 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 2014 marks the 38th 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 2014 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.