2006 Italian Republic Day - Tampa, Florida

June 2nd, 2006

ITALIAN REPUBLIC DAY

Speech given by Brigadier General Raffaele De Feo (English version)

At “L’Unione Italiana”

Ladies, Distinguished guests, Officers from Mac Dill base, Senior National Representatives, Gentlemen, dear friends, I would like to say welcome again to you all.

Today we celebrate the 60^th recurrence of the Foundation of the Italian Republic. Italy become a Republic in 1946, only one year after the end of WW2. At that time Italy was very weak from the social and economical perspective. The courage of our fathers with the help of friendly countries, amongst those the United States of America, made a miracle: Italy raised from the ashes and debris of a five year long war and started a new course.

The presence of foreign military forces was instrumental in building the stability and unity of Italy: this was a lesson that we have learned very well and have never forgot.

Italy grew one year after another and become a well appreciated and stable country, working side by side with other countries for a better Europe and a better world.

Since 1946, every year we celebrate the Republic Day recurrence to show how proud we are of our democracy, and freedom. and how strong is our commitment to defend our values and the national unity at home and abroad.

It is indeed a privilege for the Italian Joint Cell at USCENTCOM to celebrate the Italian Republic Day in Tampa amongst colleagues and friends in such historical palace. It has become a tradition, on this important recurrence, to held a reception at “Unione Italiana” in Ybor City. We believe that this impressive building is the most suitable place to underline our pride of being Italians and the strong link that Italian Officials, deployed in Tampa, have with US citizens of Italian origin or born in Italy.

Many Italians have given their contribution to make the United States a great country and we are sure that you all are amongst them. We are honoured of your presence.

We want to thank the President and the Board of Directors of “Unione Italiana” for their hospitality. Thank you Mr. Sal Guagliardo, President and thank you Mr. Joseph Capitano Sr., Immediate past president and Mr. Joseph Caltagirone , Board of Director, for your unique support.

I have already said that we have learnt how to contribute to create peace and freedom. The reason why we are here in Tampa: US CENTCOM and the coalition against the terror. Every day, along with colleagues from 64 Nations we share the aim and the endeavour to fight the terror and to create a better world: a unique experience here in Tampa. Broadly speaking, Italian Armed Forces have deployed abroad about 10.000 troops to promote peace and freedom versus terror. We share this challenging task with many friendly countries.

We thank all the SNRs: we are honoured of your friendship and your presence tonight.

A special mention to Gen. ABIZAID, USCENTCOM Commander and Vice Admiral NICHOLS and their Staff to underline the effort of the conduct of the Operations and to keep united 64 flags. Thank to Colonel WOODWART, Mac Dill Air Force Base Commander for the support we receive from the Base.

Thank to Tampa. The presence of so many citizens is a clear sign of the kindness of Tampa inhabitants and adds an extra value to our celebration.

Thank you to my team: for their daily performance and unconditioned sense of duty. They have proved to be great. I am very proud of them.

This reception takes place because of the tremendous contribution of professional and friendly experts of Italian Cuisine and Food Culture:

· Mr. Luigi CAVALLARO, former Italian paratrooper in Lebanon, now”Luigi’s Catering;

· Mr. Guido and Gino TIOZZO, the two myths from DONATELLO Restaurant with their delicious cakes;

· Mr. Roberto MORI, the best Italian Ice Cream from Gelateria DUOMO at the International Plaza;

· Mr. Alessandro D’INNOCENTI, with his LAVAZZA espresso he will make the difference;

· Mr.Dino and Mrs. Anna CLEMENTE from LA CASA DEL PAN di San Petersburg for their focaccia,

A special mention to Mr. Kenneth FERLITA and Mrs. Krista JONES. They have been the pillars of our Reception. Everything went smoothly with their timely support and advise.

Last but not least, we are delighted to thank some special friends of us: Mr. Francesco Marchesini, former well known restaurant owner in Tampa, Mr. Mario Plaza, from Tile of Italy and Mr. Joe Capitano Jr., Chairperson of Festa Italiana. These gentlemen have been so generous with their contributions.

Let me now invite you all to stand to listen to the Italian and US national anthems.

**********INNI NAZIONALI about 3 minutes)********************

And now Ladies and gentlemen, let’s have a toast to Italy and Italians.

Rise your glasses and, as Latin People used to say, “PROSIT”.

Thank to you all for joining us tonight.

ENJOY STAYING WITH US.