Suozzi Bipartisan Resolution Celebrates October as “Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month”

Washington, DC—Congressman Tom Suozzi (D—Nassau, Queens), a first-generation Italian American and leader of Congress's Italian American Caucus, has co-sponsored and passed a resolution declaring October 2024 as "Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month."

The bipartisan resolution, H. Res. 1524, which is co-sponsored by Congressman Mark Amodei (R-NV02), "salutes the Italian and Italian-American community and exhibits appreciation for their culture and their heritage that have immeasurably enriched the lives of the people of this nation and the world."

The House resolution states that "the strength and success of the United States, the vitality of our communities, and the effectiveness of our American society depend, in great measure, upon the distinctive and sterling qualities demonstrated by people of diverse races, heritages, and ethnicities, exemplified by members of the Italian and Italian-American community, who share with us their rich and unique heritage."

It also honors the contributions of Italian and Italian-American people to this country and the world throughout history, including generals, admirals, doctors, philosophers, statesmen, musicians, athletes, and Nobel laureates.

Congressman Suozzi has recently been named one of the inaugural honorees of the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island. He will be recognized at the Long Island Italian Celebration on October 21 at Larkfield Manor in East Northport, NY.

"My father, the late Joseph A. Suozzi, was born in Italy, in Ruvo del Monte, near the City of Potenza, in the Basilicata region.  My paternal grandfather, Michele Suozzi, had immigrated to America first, followed by my grandmother Rosa Ciampa Suozzi, with my father, who was about four years old at the time."  said Suozzi.

Joseph Suozzi attended school in Glen Cove and Oyster Bay. He volunteered as an Air Cadet before graduating from college and entered military service with the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He became a B-24 navigator and completed 35 bombing missions, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Clusters.

Tom's father was elected as Glen Cove City Court Judge at the age of 28. The New York Times said he was the youngest judge in the United States. He then served as Glen Cove Mayor and was later appointed to the Appellate Division of the N.Y. State Supreme Court.

"My father's life embodied the classic American Dream. The dream he and my grandfather often discussed had become a reality for the Suozzi family," Suozzi proudly stated.

"As the co-chair of the Congressional Italian American Caucus and a proud Italian American myself, I am honored to lead the effort to observe October as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month," said Rep. Mark Amodei. "I hold great pride in my heritage and appreciate my colleagues' support in recognizing this month as a time to celebrate the rich culture and invaluable contributions that my ancestors brought to the United States."

 

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