January 2009

IL CAVALIERE
VOL. 5 NO. 1 JANUARY, 2009
O F F I C I A L B U L L E T I N O F T H E A M E R I C A N S O C I E T Y O F T H E I TA L I A N L E G I O N S O F M E R I T
SAN MARINO
Companions
of Dignity
The outreach program to Italy’s neighbors - - those nation states which either
share geographic proximity or otherwise
enjoy a special relationship with Rome - is underway. This to further cordiality, but
also cooperation in focusing both on preserving Italy’s cultural legacy and assisting
humanitarian goals in these countries.
The stated aim of the program is to liaise
toward these ends with their ambassadors in residence in Washington, D.C., and
at the United Nations in New York.
In furtherance, the Society chose San
Marino, “the world’s smallest republic”
and Italy’s “nearest friend and closest
neighbor,” to launch the effort, naming
its ambassadors here as “Companions of
Dignity” to the Society.
An Italian speaking, land-locked sovereignty found in Italy’s northeast, San Marino saw H.E. Daniele Bodini, its Permanent
Representative to the United Nations, and
H.E. Paolo Rondelli, its Ambassador to the
United States, awarded the Society’s diploma and chivalric medal at a private ceremony conducted by Cav. di Gran Croce
Dominic R. Massaro, President of the Society, at its Columbus Townhouse headquarters.
The citation to Ambassador Bodini
read:
“Grand Ufficiale of the Italian Republic. Degreed in engineering and architecture from the University of Rome, in business from Columbia University, presently
chairman of the American Italian Cancer
Foundation, chairman of the Foundation
for Italian Art and Culture, president of
Friends of San Patrignano, Director of La
Scuola d’Italia in New York, Guarantor of
continued on page 10
43rd Annual
Dinner Success
America is blessed
to enjoy Italy’s
long-standing
friendship and
loyalty, and it is in
America’s best
interests to
enhance it.
Cavalieri from
the Atlantic to the
Pacific renewed
their bonds at the
Society’s 43rd Annual Dinner on Friday,
December 5, filling
to capacity one of
New York’s most
sought after ballrooms: the Union
League Club on
Park Avenue. They
capped a two-day
reunion with an
elegant formal dinner party
under the patronage of Cav. di
Gran Croce H.E. Giovanni Castellaneta, Ambassador of the
Republic of Italy to the United
States. Chair was Comm. RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo, assisted by Cav. di Gran Croce Dr. Lucio
Caputo, Cav. Leandro P. Rizzuto,
and Uff. Commr. Livia S. Sylva as
co-chairs. Cav. di Gran Croce
Baroness Mariuccia ZerilliMarimò served as honorary
chair.
The dinner followed meetings of the Society’s board and
general membership at the Consulate General of Italy the day
before, Thursday, December 4.
That evening, a lecture was given at the Society’s Columbus
Townhouse headquarters followed by a welcoming reception
(see story on page 4).
The next morning, Friday,
December 5, the Italian Tourist
Board offices in
Rockefeller Center
saw a briefing and
luncheon (see story on page 2). That
night a gala reception and concert
preceded the black
tie dinner.
The evening was
memorable.
Guests ascended a
seasonally decorated marble staircase
to the main floor
reception room where cocktails
flowed and a silent auction was
offered. Upward to the second
floor Concert Hall, anthems of
Italy and the United States were
followed by operatic selections,
classical violin and cabaret
under the direction of Maestro
Salvatore Moltisanti. Guests
were then ushered into the
Club’s third floor, two-story
mahogany paneled ballroom. It
was festooned for the holidays
with sparkling wreaths, the
tables set in white and gold
accented with white roses and
red berries.
Accredited diplomats mixed
with high military, church and
government personalities, as
well as numerous decorati conferred with orders of chivalry in
addition to those of Italy, which
added color and interest to the
continued on page 6
Joseph V. Del
Raso, Esq.
Bishop Nicholas
De Marzio
Richard Torrenzano
Justice Dominic R.
Massaro
Minister
Sebastino Cardi
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AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Role of the Italian Tourist Board
Greeting cavalieri “awarded by decree of the President of Italy”
at the Rockefeller Center offices of the Italian Tourist Board during the Society’s 43rd annual gathering in New York, Cav. Dr. Riccardo Strano, the Board’s Director for North America, noted its
function:“to promote Italy as a tourist destination.” He went on
to discuss Government marketing strategies that motivate visits
to Italy, as well as those supporting Italian regional enterprises to
enlist American buyers for products and supplies.
The director noted that “Italy keeps its high position among
the most desired international destinations by Americans.” This
is attested to by all national surveys, with Florence, Rome and
Venice always voted “the most desirable.”
With offices in Los Angeles, Chicago and Toronto, coordinated
by its main office in New York, the Board clocks an eight to ten
percent yearly increase of American arrivals in Italy, numbering
about five million in 2007. The new “Italy for Life” marketing
campaign now underway is aimed at offering “splendid surroundings” for whatever the opportunity - - vacation, culture,
business - - to visit there.
Lunch offered by the director, overlooking the Rockefeller Plaza
ice skating rink with its 90-odd foot Christmas tree on display,
concluded the program.◆
www.italiantourism.com
The Italian Toursit Board Logo
3
4
2
1
5
1. Cav. Dr. Riccardo Strano delivers the briefing
2. Touring the Board’s offices: Dama Larisa Van Duser, DMS, Comm.
Paul G. Roland, Esq., Dr. Strano, and Dr. Mary Ann Re
3. Comm. Frank De Santis
4. Cav. Angelo A. Sedacca, KMS
5. Overlooking Rockefeller Center Plaza
Representative “Italy for Life”
campaign poster, this one
focused on business meetings.
Photography by Vito Catalano
IL CAVALIERE
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Il Cavaliere is an official publication of the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit, a not-for-profit, tax exempt
organization legally incorporated in the State of New York.
Comm. Stefano E.B. Acunto, 914-966-3180, x110, Publisher
Gina Marie Balog, Production Manager/Designer
Vito Catalano, 718-946-3124, Photographer
Address all mail to: Editor, Il Cavaliere, American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit,
Eight East 69th Street, New York, New York 10021.
IL CAVALIERE
3
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
American Society of the
Italian Legions of Merit
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS 2009-2010
Cav. di Gran Croce
Hon. Dominic R. Massaro
PRESIDENT
Uff.
Hon. Marie L. Garibaldi
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Cav. di Gran Croce
B.ssa Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò
SECRETARY GENERAL
Cav.
Salvatore M. Salibello
TREASURER
Uff.
Joseph Sciame
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Gr. Uff.
Hon. Guido Calabresi
Comm.
RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo
CHANCELLOR
CHIEF OF PROTOCOL
Cav. di Gran Croce
H.E. F. Paolo Fulci
SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE (ROME)
Gr. Uff.
H.E. Celestino Migliore
ECCLESIASTICAL CHAPLAIN
Comm.
George M. Pavia, Esq.
COUNSELOR
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
Comm.
Comm.
Robert V. Allegrini
Dr. Eugene Casagrande
NORTH CENTRAL
SOUTHWEST
Cav.
Dr. Thomas Bellavia
MID -ATLANTIC
Comm.
Frank J. DeSantis
Cav.
Kevin C. Caira
Uff.
Mark Fehrs Hau-Kohl
NORTHEAST
SOUTHEAST
PACIFIC
Cav.
Mary Ann A. Ravarino
WEST
DIRECTORS
Comm. Stefano E.B. Acunto ‘10
Cav. Arthur J. Furia, Esq.‘09
Comm. Robert J. Barbera ‘09
Cav. Marcella Leonetti-Tyler ‘09
H.E. Giovanni Castellaneta, ex officio
Cav. Alfonso E. Panico ‘10
H.E. Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, ex officio
Comm. Dr. Claudio C. Cifoni ‘10
Gr. Uff. Frank D. Stella ‘08
Comm. Joseph Colagiovanni ‘09
Uff. Hon. Francesco Talò, ex officio
NIAF Head Dies
G
r. Uff. Dr. A. Kenneth
Ciongoli, chairman of the
National Italian American
Foundation (NIAF), has passed
away after battling cancer for
more than a year. He was 65. The
Society dispatched an expression
of condolence to his family in
Burlington,Vermont.
Born and raised in Philadelphia,
Kenneth Ciongoli graduated from
the University of Pennsylvania in
1964 and from the Philadelphia
College of Osteopathic Medicine in
1968. Completing his internship in
Gr. Uff. Dr. A. Kenneth
Detroit,he went on to become Chief
Ciongoli
Resident Neurologist at the University of Vermont. Three Vermont governors appointed him Physician Commissioner. Prominent and board certified, he lectured
widely and authored numerous medical articles and abstracts
in his field. He was listed in Who’s Who in Medicine.
Interestingly,in 1980,he served as senior medical officer of the
United States Olympic Team for the Lake Placid games;a quarter
century later,in 2006,he returned to the Olympics by presidential appointment as a member of the U.S. delegation to Torino,
Italy. During that intervening quarter century, the practitioner
increasingly devoted himself to the preservation of his heritage.
A founder of the Vermont Italian Colonial Association, he also
joined the Mutuo Soccorso, the state’s oldest Italian American
association. At the time of his death, he was completing four
years as northeast regional vice president of the Society.
For 18 years Dr. Ciongoli served NIAF, rising to become its
chief executive officer in 2006. He led delegations to the Italian
leadership in Argentina and Australia. His book, Beyond the
Godfather (U.Press of New England,1997) was first to document
a legacy of Italian American achievement in the motion picture
industry behind, not as depicted in front of, the cameras. He
was a constant articulator against ethnic stereotyping, and
was active in the campaign against marginalizing Italy in any
reorganization of the United Nations Security Council.
In a fitting tribute by Cav. di Gran Croce Dominic R. Massaro,
who also serves as NIAF Historian, the President of the Society
noted:
“When I pen the chapter on Ken’s administration for the
archival record, can there be any doubt that he never compromised his intentions toward intellectualism. Ken was
awfully well read, and he could easily hold his own in the
oftentimes difficult oral and written debate for ethnic validity.
Indeed, he forged a separate intellectual identity as yet another dimension of NIAF’s mission. His Gay Talese Writers Series
fostering creative expression, his Roman Roundtable encouraging thought, his scholastic frontal on his Ivies articulating
for wider inclusiveness are just three examples of intensely intellectual initiatives that will always be the hallmark of
a special brand of leadership that will be sorely missed.”◆
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AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Lecture: “Elena of Montenegro,
Queen of Italy”
I
ts Columbus Townhouse headquarters in New York was the setting for
the Society’s 2008 annual lecture. It
was delivered by Ambassador Miodrag Vlahovic, Montenegro’s envoy to
Washington, D.C., on behalf of Professor
Sasa Knezevic. Prof. Knezevic, widely
published at home and abroad, was hospitalized at the last moment. He holds a
Ph.D. in history and is a member of both
the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the
Faculty of Political Science at the University of Montenegro.
Entitled “Elena of Montenegro, Queen
of Italy,” the lecture about the “legendary
queen who cared for the sick and sacrificed for the poor” was well received and
enthusiastically applauded.
“Official diplomatic relations between
Italy and Montenegro were established
in 1879,” it was noted, “and during the
final decades of the 19th Century considerably increased.” Following the 1896
marriage of Princess Elena, daughter of
Montenegro’s King Mikola, and Victor
Emanuel, son of Italy’s King Umberto I,
Montenegro, which faces Italy across the
Adriatic Sea, saw “a great input of Italian
investment and ingenuity.”
“In the history of all states,” the lecture observed, “family unions through
marital links between dynasties had
great political significance, which was
the case in this particular instance.”
Born in Cetinje, the royal Montenegrin capital, in 1873, Elena’s godfather
was Alexander II, Czar of Russia. She
spent her early childhood at the Russian imperial court in St. Petersburg,
“schooled in music, painting, poetry and
literature.” The assassination of his
father in 1900 saw Victor Emanuel
assume the crown with Elena at his side.
“Her modesty was felt right away at
court . . . immediately reducing the number of servants.” The balls, receptions
and lunches in the Quirinale were likewise drastically reduced.
“Elena was the Queen of Italy for
As historical person,
as a queen and
as a benefactor, she is
one of the most
popular females of
the 20th century.
almost a half century, from 1900 to 1946.
She devoted herself to humanitarian
activity, increasingly following the birth
and rearing of five children, including
Umberto II, Italy’s last King (1946),” the
lecture informed. “Her life and her benefactions were known all over the world,
and her merits for the Italian people
were so great that Puccini dedicated
Madame Butterfly to her, and d’Annunzio
wrote beautiful poetry about her.”
“When Messina was leveled during
the catastrophic earthquake of 1908,” a
witness related:“She wore a simple black
dress. No one could tell that she was
the Queen. She looked more like a nurse,
a sister of charity. Her face reflected pity,
and her gentle expression encouraged
hundreds of wounded, endeavoring to
devote them full attention. Her eyes
were full of tears and her voice trembled.
She dug through ruins, nursed and
re-dressed the wounded, assisted in surgical operations. No queen has even
done what Elena did in the days of
Messina’s tragic destiny.”
Through two World Wars she continued her beneficence. She served as
patroness of the Italian League for Fighting Cancer and the clinical Institute
Queen Elena. “It is little known that after
the outbreak of World War II, Queen Elena voiced a public protest and appealed
for its ending. In September, 1939, she
wrote an open letter to six fellowwomen rulers seeking a settlement, an
effort intercepted by Mussolini.”
Her personal example never failed to
be present, it was reported. Once, after
an air raid, in the summer of 1943, while
visiting the Dante Alighieri School, she
met a six-year-old boy by the name of
Vicenzo Dominiani. His father was at
war, and he had no mother. She took
him to the Savoy Villa where the boy
lived like a little prince.
The rule of Victor Emanuel III officially ended on May 9, 1946, when he abdicated the throne in favor of his son
Umberto II, and left the same day with
the Queen for Egypt. They lived modestly in Alexandria, but with dignity. “Not
even in exile did the Queen come outside without previously filling her pockets with coins to give to beggars.” The
story about her charity was circulated
and petitions increased daily. “She sold
family treasures to collect money for the
poor,” it was noted.
Victor Emanuel died in 1947. In 1949,
the queen left Egypt for the Cote d’Azzure, to be surrounded by her children
and grandchildren. Elena again involved
herself in humanitarian work. The children in France called her “the queen with
candies.”
Over the years Queen Elena was recognized with decorations from Great
Britain, Spain, Germany and The Vatican,
and, when she died in 1952, a proposal
for canonization followed. As late as
2008, two new books were published on
her life. Elena died in 1952. Disregarding
the rain, some five thousand Frenchmen
paid their last respects to a foreign
queen.
“From time distance we can observe
Elena and her mission with several
ways,” it was suggested. “As historical
person, as a queen and as a benefactor,
IL CAVALIERE
5
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
she is one of the most popular females of
the 20th Century. From the point of view
of relations between Italy and Montenegro, she has been light. Originally from a
small nation, she became part of a great
nation, where she gave her memorable
contribution. Relations between Italy
and Montenegro were excellent during
the period when she was the Queen of
Italy. Montenegro, as a smaller country,
but very close neighbor, is situated in the
economic and cultural sphere of Italy.
That fact was always very important for
its development. At the end, it seems
1
2
3
4
1. Comm. Prof. Marco Grassi, chair, opens the lecture program
2. Ambassador Miodrag Vlahovic´ delivers the lecture
3. The audience listens in rapt attention
that Elena’s message for all time is that
relations among people depends on their
best wishes,” the lecture concluded.
A reception, hosted by Comm.
Lawrence E. Auriana, Chairman of the
Board of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, followed the presentation.◆
4. Cav. di Gran Croce B.ssa Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò recollects an
encounter with Queem Elena
Photography by Vito Catalano
Board Changes
As the Society concludes its 43rd year, it identifies individuals who
have helped it mature as the duly recognized representative of those
accorded high distinction by the Republic of Italy. Past and current
Society board members include the essence of Italian American excellence and leadership.
Comm. Joseph
Cav. Antonio
On December 31, 2008, four distinguished personages on the Soci- R. Cerrell
Lombardo
ety’s board of directors completed their terms of office: Comm. Joseph
R. Cerrell, of California; Cav. Antonio Lombardo, of Missouri; Gr. Uff.
Gr. Uff. Joseph
Joseph Maselli, of Louisiana; and Comm. Andrew Torregrossa, of AriMaselli
zona.
A sincere “thank you” to each.◆
Comm. Andrew
Torregrossa
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AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
43rd Annual Dinner Success
CONTINUED FROM COVER
evening. Master of Ceremonies Cav. Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq.,
Chair of the American University of Rome, called upon Uff. H.E.
Nicholas Di Marzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, to deliver the invocation.
Six toastmasters followed: Gr. Uff. H.E. Giulio Terzi di Sant’
Agata, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations
(“To the President of the Republic of Italy, Head of all Italian
Orders of Chivalry”); Major General Giuliano Ferrari, Military
Attache of Italy to the Italian Mission at the United Nations (“To
the allied Italian and American troops serving the cause of
world peace and security”); Gr. Uff. Congressman Frank J. Guarini (“To the United States of America”); Uff. Justice Marie L.
Garibaldi, long-time of the Supreme Court of New Jersey (“To
the 60th Anniversary of the Italian Constitution”); Stephen
Madsen, Esq., Chair, La Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi (“To
the 500th Anniversary of the birth of Andrea Palladio); and
Comm. Robert Allegrini, Vice President for North and South
America, Hilton Hotels Corporation (“To the American Society of
the Italian Legions of Merit”). Each toast brought forth a hearty
“Hear, Hear.”
At this point a live auction conducted by Cav. Richard Torrenzano focused the room. Three important gifts were offered: a
50-bottle wine cellar of “great” Italian vintages dating back to
1985, a diamond necklace by Damiani, and a Venetian vacation.
Following the first course, Comm. Del Raso acknowledged
the presence of numerous personalities in the audience.
Included amongst them, in addition to Italy, were ambassadors
of Albania, Eritrea, Montenegro, San Marino and The Vatican as
well as the United States.
The speaking program commenced after the main course
with Cav. di Gran Croce Justice Dominic R. Massaro, President of
the Society. Opening with witticism, he flowed into eloquence:
“Americans are living a historic moment. With the election of
a new President of these United States, we are on the eve of
important innovations in meeting challenges of great significance. In the international arena, any American calculus must
include Italy, a land that, without interruption for more than
two millenia, has conferred its rich cultural patrimony on Western Civilization. Today, she stands as a firm cornerstone in the
broader context between the United States and Europe.
The Society’s goal has always been to enhance the relationship between our two countries. The historic record on this
account speaks volumes, whether it be articulation in America’s
best interests against any U.N. Security Council reform that
marginalizes Italy, or articulation for the repatriation of the
Italian patrimony that has improperly found its way into American institutions, to name but two on-going issues of contention,” he observed.
The President emphasized the Society’s role “as the chief
reference point in the United States for all links between the
chivalric world of the Italian state and its cavalieri resident
here.” Now in its fifth decade, the Society is comprised of individuals who hold an Italian decoration conferred in one of five
Ordini Onorifici, each internationally recognized as rooted in the
umbilicus of Italian history and as a prerogative of Italian sovereignty.
“Founded, then, on the basis of strengthening the traditional bonds of friendship existing between the United States
and Italy,” the president continued, “the Society is national in
scope, international in spirit, and functions at the highest levels of the chivalric, diplomatic and beneficent arenas. Its prestige as a pre-eminent institution ranks it as an important
American situs for conveying the shared interests of both
nations to a wider audience.” The jurist concluded: “Indeed,
America is blessed to enjoy Italy’s long-standing friendship
and loyalty, and it is in America’s best interests to enhance it,”
adding a rousing “Viva the United States!; Viva Italia!”
Responding on behalf of the Society’s Patron, Ambassador
Castellaneta, Minister Sebastiano Cardi, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy in Washington, D.C., expressed in assuring
tones “great admiration and appreciation for the Society and its
important work on behalf of Italy.” Offering “the greetings of
my Government,” he affirmed the “high importance of ItalyUnited States relations,” emphasizing “our standing together
shoulder to shoulder in promoting democracy, peace and security throughout the world.” On another note, the Minister referenced “the important struggle to keep alive the Italian language in the United States. This is of great concern.”
Quoting in steady cadence from Ambassador Castellaneta’s
oft-spoken praise for cavalieri, the diplomat stated:“Your recognition is our significance, and, therefore, your initiatives are
our initiatives, your strength is our strength, your support
brings forward our support . . . it is this which underlies our
trust in you in behalf of the country from which your grandparents came.”◆
Hold the Date…
Thursday, December 3, 2009
44th Annual Meeting
•
Friday, December 4, 2009
44th Anniversary Dinner
New York City
IL CAVALIERE
7
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
On the Constitution of the Italian Republic
“Tonight the Society celebrates the 60th Anniversary of
the Constitution of the Italian Republic. The document represents a deliberative effort by the Italian people following
World War II to guarantee their freedom and common welfare within a constitutional framework. The influences of
many lands are visible in its pages, including the time-honored American principle of bicameralism accepted with the
creation of two legislative bodies of equal power; and the
equally famous American doctrine of judicial review.
Much like the delegates meeting in Philadelphia in the
summer of 1789, the Italian constitution reflects the relative
strength of contending political forces within the 1947 Rome
assembly which debated and wrote it, giving gravitas to the
new Republic of Italy. Their craftsmanship is acknowledged
on this 60th Anniversary. Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin,
Alexander Hamilton, even the authority of George Washington were called upon in this process of creation.
Designed to establish a firm foundation for the organization
and life of a democratic Italy, the various political creeds
struggled with each other, yet cooperated in framing a fundamental law, independent of political fluctuations, that
today enjoys the respect of the commonwealth of nations.
Cav. di Gran Croce
Dominic R. Massaro
President
At the Concert…
2
1
3
4
At the Cocktail Reception…
5
6
1. The Concert Hall filled to capacity
2. Yana Eminova
3. Leticia Moreno
4. Simona Rodano
5. Cav. Salvatore F. Sodano, KM
7
8
9
6. Comm. Frank J. De Santis and Uff. Joseph Sciame.
7. Comm. Dr. Claudio C. Cifoni
8. Uff. Aldo Mancusi
9. Consul General Renzo Oliva
10. Cav. Deputy Salvatore Ferrigno
10
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AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Reception continued…
11
12
17
22
13
18
23
11. Dr. Salvatore Cumella
12. Major James Passamano, Esq.
13. Uff. Senator Guy J. Velella
14. Consul General Branko Milic´
15. Brig. Gen. Mirco Zuliani
16. Comm. Dr. Vincenzo Zuccarelli
16. Uff. Salvatore Salibello
17. Comm. Dr. Eugene R. Casagrande
18. Cav. Mary Ann A. Ravarino with her daughters
Annette (l.) and Maria (r.)
14
15
16
19
20
24
17
21
25
19. Comm. Dr. Angelo Gimondo
20. Judge William J. Martini
21. Cav. di Gran Croce Dr. Lucio Caputo
22. Uff. Justice Eugene L. Nardelli and Uff. John A. Loconsolo
23. Uff. Senator Renato G. Turano and Cav. Anthony Brusco
24. Vito Vincenzi, Esq.
25. Comm. Stefano E.B. Acunto and Deputy Consul
General Giovanni Favilli
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AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Reception continued…
28
27
26
29
30
31
35
36
37
At the Dinner…
32
38
39
33
40
26. Comm. RoseMarie Gallina-Santangelo
27. Eva S. Franchi
28. Daniela Anastasio and Dr. Franco Bardazzi
29. Cav. di Gran Croce Dr. Alfred J. Liotta, KGCHS
30. Dr. Aniello Musella
31. Uff. Consul General Francesco M. Talò
32. Antonella Cinque and Ambassador Gianluigi Valenza
33. Piera Palazzolo Falzone
34. Rebecca Madsen, Esq.
35. Maj. Gen. Giuliano Ferrari
36. Comm. Anthony Magliulo (Tony May)
34
41
42
37. Dr. Katherine D. La Guardia
38. Comm. George M. Pavia, Esq.
39. Cav. di Gran Croce Ronald Sublesky, KGCDE
40. Comm. Salvatore Rotella, Ambassador Araya Desta and Comm.
Robert V. Allegrini
41. Cav. Dr. Riccardo Strano
42. Cav. Giuliana Ridolfi (standing) and Cav. Dr. and Mrs. Domenico
Mignone
Photography by Vito Catalano
IL CAVALIERE
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AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
“Companions of Dignity”
CONTINUED FROM COVER
the Italian Academy at Columbia. You, Mr.
Ambassador, enjoy a successful business
presence lending itself to wide cultural
pursuits and civic contributions. This in
addition to more than a decade of important diplomatic service . . . .”
And to Ambassador Rondelli:
“Cavaliere of the Italian Republic. Doctor in chemical engineering from the University of Bologna, Knight Commander of
the Order of Merit of the Order of Malta.
You, Mr. Ambasssador, have been an
important officer of the San Marino Public
Administration in a wide variety of significant governmental postures and assignments, both at home and abroad, these
past 15 years: in Serbia and Montenegro, in
Azerbaijan, in Moldovia, in Kossovo, in
Albania and at the Council of Europe . . . .”
Justice Massaro added:
“Each of you gentlemen represents an
ancient land, the world’s smallest republic, yet adhering to the world’s oldest constitution. For generations allied with
Italy, San Marino’s nearest friend and
closest neighbor, with which she has
always enjoyed friendly diplomatic relations and good will, your
country consistently supports
both Italian and American foreign
policy positions in matters of
world peace and security.
And yet, San Marino has a distinctive and contributing presence
in the international community:
full membership in the United
Nations . . . official relations with
the European Union . . . accredited at the
highest level to the United States.
It is this enduring friendship and cordiality with Italy as ‘good neighbor,’ and
with the United States as an important
ally that intensified the warmth of the
Society’s admiration and encourages it to
confer this special recognition,” the jurist
concluded.
Responding on behalf of both excellencies, Amb. Rondelli expressed gratification “for these high honors,” and went
on to share “the special regard of my
country for its indeed unique relationship with Italy from time immemorial.”
2
1
3
He emphasized San Marino’s friendship
with the United States “at least from the
days of your president Lincoln,” and went
on to note San Marino’s concern in the
international arena “with humanitarian
assistance where needed and ‘rule of
law’ accountability by all governments.”
The envoys identified the San Marino
Association to Combat Leukemia, which
combats the disease among Sammarinese children, for the Society’s beneficence. In the past, the Society has lent
support to the San Marino Journal for outreaching the Sammarinese community in
the United States.◆
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5
1. Ambassador Bodini receives his diploma
from Justice Dominic R. Massaro, President
of the Society
2. Ambassador Rondelli displays his diploma
3. Italian Consul General Francesco M. Talò
and Comm. RoseMarie GallinaSantangelo, the Society’s chief of protocol
4. Cav. Giuliana Ridolfi Cardillo
5. Comm. Lawrence E. Auriana
6. Cav. Richard Torrenzano
7. Cav. di Gran Croce Dr. Lucio Caputo
8. Comm. Stefano E.B. Acunto
9. Uff. Joseph Sciame
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7
8
9
Photography by Vito Catalano
IL CAVALIERE
11
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
In Memoriam…
Gr. Uff. Maestro Gerald Arpino
ILLINOIS
Cav. Hon. Nicholas Cipriani
PENNSYLVANIA
Comm. Dr. Salvatore D’Amico
VIRGINIA
Cavalieri he news…
in t
Comm. Joseph R. Cerrell (California) honored with Lifetime Achievement
Award by the Los Angeles County Young Democrats
Cav. Mario Gabelli (New York) received honorary doctorate from Fordham
University
Comm. Prof. Marco Grassi (New York) conferred with the Sovereign Military
Order of Malta
WISCONSIN
Cav. di Gran Croce Justice Dominic R. Massaro (New York) elevated to Grande
Ufficiale in the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Savoy).
Cav. Edward Liccardi
Comm. Prof. Carlo Sclafani (New York) awarded Distinguished Service Professorship from the State University of New York.
Cav. Dominic H. Frinzi, Esq.
OHIO
Protocol Chief Honored
Comm. RoseMarie Gallina-Sangangelo, president emerita of the Society and its chief of protocol, was honored as “Most
Notable Alumna” on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Georgian Court University; she received her baccalaureate in business from the New Jersey institution followed by a master’s degree in public administration from NYU. Comm. Gallina-Santangelo served as Special Assistant for Italian Affairs during New York’s Cuomo Administration (1983-1994).◆
Cronaca
Since his election by acclamation on November 29, 2004, the President of the Society, Cav. di Gran Croce Hon. Dominic R. Massaro, continues to represent it at the following chivalric, diplomatic and beneficent events:
September 19, 2008: by invitation of Gr.
Uff. H.E. Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, Permanent Representative of Italy to the
United Nations, on the occasion of a
dinner in honor of the President of
the Society.
October 7, 2008: by invitation of Cav. di
Gran Croce Carl J. Morelli, Esq. (KGCML),
American Delegate of the House of
Savoy, on the occasion of a lecture
“Cardinal Maurizio di Savoia and Musical Patronage in 17th Century Rome.”
October 11,2008: by invitation of Louis Tallarini, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, on the occasion of
the Columbus Day Dinner in New York.
October 13, 2008: by invitation of H.E.
Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of
New York, on the occasion of the
Columbus Day Mass.
November 3, 2008: by invitation of Cav. di
Gran Croce B.ssa Mariuccia ZerilliMarimò, Secretary General of the Society, on the occasion of a dinner in honor of newly elevated Comm. Dr.
Rudolph H. Guthrie and Comm. Beatrice H. Guthrie.
.
November 7, 2008: by invitation of Gr.
Uff. H.E. Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, Permanent Representative of Italy to the
United Nations, on the occasion of a
dinner to welcome H.E. Marcello Pera,
former President of the Italian Senate.
November 10,2008: by invitation of Comm.
Stefano E.B.Acunto,Publisher of Il Cavaliere,on the occasion of a dinner to welcome Dr. Robert A. Marino, President of
the American University of Rome.
November 21, 2008: by invitation of Cav.
di Gran Croce B.ssa Mariuccia ZerilliMarimò, Secretary General of the Soci-
ety, on the occasion of a dinner to welcome Cav. di Gran Croce H.E. F. Paolo
Fulci, former Premanent Representative of the Italy to the United Nations.
December 2, 2008: by invitation of Cav. di
Gran Croce B.ssa Mariuccia ZerilliMarimò, Secretary General of the Society, on the occasion of a dinner to welcome H.E. Renato Cardinal Martino,
President of the Pontifical Council for
Justice and Peace.
December 13, 2008: by invitation of Cav.
di Gran Croce Carl J. Morelli, Esq.
(KGCML), American Delegate of the
House of Savoy, on the occasion of the
Ballo di Savoia.
December 18, 2008: by invitation of H.E.
Adrian Neritani, Permanent Representative of Albania to the United
Nations, on the occasion of a lunch in
favor of the President of the Society.
IL CAVALIERE
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Terzi Received in New York
Officers and directors gathered at the Society’s Columbus Townhouse headquarters in New York for a late Fall dinner to welcome Italy’s new Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Gr. Uff. H.E. Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata (see Il Cavaliere, October,
2008). Seen enjoying the evening . . .
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2
6
3
7
4
8
1. Dame Carole Acunto
2. Cav. John F. Calvelli, Esq., and NIAF president Salvatore Zizza
3. Riccardo Chioni
4. Cav. di Gran Croce B.ssa Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò
5. Cav. Richard Torrenzano and Gr. Uff. Archbishop Celestino Migliore
6. Cav. di Gran Croce Justice Dominic R. Massaro and Gr. Uff.
Ambassador Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata
IL CAVALIERE
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE ITALIAN LEGIONS OF MERIT
Eight East 69th Street
New York, N.Y. 10021
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7. Comm. Lawrence E. Auriana
8. Cav. Prof. Irma Jaffe
9. Luisa Caputo and La Scuola d’Italia chair Stephen S. Madsen, Esq.
Photography by Vito Catalano
FIRST CLASS
PRESORT
U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
WESTWOOD, NJ
PERMIT NO. 9