October - Italian American Heritage & Culture Month: Make It Permanent!

Author

Andre' DiMino,
IAOVC President

The United States has celebrated Italian American Heritage and Culture Month in October with some presidential and congressional proclamations that recognize the invaluable contributions of Italian Americans to the nation's culture, history, and society. There have been some presidential proclamations and congressional resolutions issued over the past few decades recognizing Italian American Heritage and Culture Month for that specific year.  It is now time for October to be permanently recognized and designated as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month by legislation.

Presidential Proclamations
President George H. W. Bush:

• October 26, 1990
• Presidential Proclamation 6218 - President George H. W. Bush recognized October 1990 as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month with Presidential Proclamation 6218. He emphasized the significant influence of Italian Americans in their dedication to America and their extraordinary achievements.
  

President Bill Clinton:

• September 22, 1994
• Presidential Proclamation 6723 - President Bill Clinton recognized October 1994 as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month with Presidential Proclamation 6723. He emphasized the significant influence of Italian Americans in various fields, including art, science, business, and politics.

President Barack Obama:

• October 14, 2010
• Presidential Proclamation 8585 - President Barack Obama's proclamation recognizing October 2010 as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month acknowledged the achievements of Italian Americans and their contributions to the nation's progress.

Congressional Resolutions
Congressional resolutions have also been introduced to commemorate Italian American Heritage and Culture Month in October. While they may not carry the same weight as presidential proclamations, they serve as additional acknowledgments of the community's importance.
House Resolution 101-392

• October 25, 1989
• Rep. Eliot Engel introduced House Resolution 392, designating Italian American Heritage and Culture Month for October 1989.

House Resolution 102-400

• February 4, 1992
• Rep. Frank J. Guarini introduced House Resolution designating October 1992 as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month.

The celebration of Italian American Heritage and Culture Month in October has been a longstanding tradition in the United States, celebrated in communities across the US, and sometimes with presidential proclamations and congressional resolutions recognizing the profound contributions of Italian Americans to American society and culture. These declarations serve as a reminder of the diversity and richness of our nation's heritage and the importance of honoring the achievements of all communities. 

Although we are pleased with these proclamations and resolutions, they were for that one year.  It is time to permanently designate October as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month through legislation.

The Italian American One Voice Coalition (“IAOVC”) urges everyone to contact their Congressional representatives to request that legislation be introduced and adopted to permanently designate October as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month.  To learn more about the IAOVC’s efforts and initiatives in defending and celebrating Italian American heritage and civil rights request our free newsletter, The Alfano Digest.  And please consider joining with us as we continue our mission – membership is open to individuals as well as Italian American Organizations.

Enjoy Italian American Heritage and Culture Month!!!