Frank Sinatra Lodge # 2621

For Immediate Release August 22, 2008

Fairfield, NJ – UNICO National, the nation’s largest Italian American service organization, unanimously passed a resolution supporting the official designation of October as “Italian and Italian American Heritage Month” at its National Convention held in San Francisco this month. UNICO National delegates from around the country unanimously approved the resolution presented by Dr. Emanuel Alfano, Chair of the UNICO National Anti-Bias Committee. “It is now time for us to act and be sure that our voices be heard,” stated Alfano in his presentation.

UNICO National passed the resolution so that members of the Senate and House of Representatives would understand the importance and need of the October designation:

To recognize the enormous contributions made by Italians and Italian Americans to the Americas and the world;

To show appreciation for Italian and Italian American culture and how it has enriched the lives of the people in this country;

To make people aware of the many struggles Italian Americans have faced in this country;

To expose and end the unjust negative stereotyping of Italians and Italian Americans throughout our culture; and

To allow Italians and Italian Americans to celebrate together and work to promote, protect and preserve their heritage and culture.

“I am so pleased that we passed this resolution,” stated newly installed UNICO National President, Kathleen Strozza of Temecula, CA. “I urge all Americans of Italian descent to contact their Senators and Representatives to ask them to vigorously support the official designation of October as Italian and Italian American Heritage Month.” Outgoing UNICO National President, Joseph Agresti of Clifton, NJ added, “We should all get behind this important effort. In addition to calls we can also sign the petition supporting this initiative.” The petition and other information is available at the UNICO National web site www.unico.org.

UNICO National is the nation’s largest Italian American service organization with local chapters throughout the United States. It was founded in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1922. It’s volunteer members work to support charitable, educational, and service projects while promoting Italian heritage and combating negative stereotyping.