IADL Newsletter
August 31, 2025 – IADL Needs YOU!
Clinton, Connecticut resident Bud Vece remembers the Hurricane of ’38, drove the town’s first ambulance, and designed the town’s hurricane emergency response plan. He raised 5 children and is a Korean War veteran. Vece has always stayed active in the community by participating in Veterans Day events, sharing his stories with students, and singing with young people at local community events. He is humble in demeanor and witty in his delivery, a longtime member of St. Mary of the Visitation Church. He seems like a person who focuses on his blessings and enjoys people. During one library event, he shared the story of waking up in Korea and discovering his friend frozen to death beside him. Despite the hard times in his life, at 96 years old, Vece still is singing. Recently, he sang his Frank Sinatra favorites to a restaurant filled to capacity on Thursday night. I visited and recorded two videos that I posted to IADL’s X account. Watch and listen to the end of Vece’s rendition of “My Way.” And enjoy, “New York, New York. When my daughter asked, “Dad, are you going to sing when you’re 96?” I responded, “I hope, I hope.” Lastly, be sure to follow IADL on X, formerly Twitter.
CALLING ON A VOLUNTEER: IADL needs a volunteer who owns a convertible to drive us in the Bridgeport Columbus Day Parade. We often are asked what we need, and we need your help to give our organization visibility on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Scroll down to “Upcoming Events” because IADL needs YOU to participate.
Solidarity Session Update
Watch the August 2025 Solidarity Session between Italian Americans and Native Americans called "Bridging Cultures Against Cancel Culture." You can view the recording of the last meeting hosted by the Italian American One Voice Coalition (IAOVC) and Native American Guardian's Association (NAGA). Guest speakers Thomas, Chris and Delphine White Calf who are family members of John Two Guns White Calf, the model for the Redskins logo, discussed their efforts to bring the logo back to the fields of the NFL. The recording is available here on YouTube.
More Anti-Italianism
Yesterday the Italian American Alliance released this notice to members titled, “CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS MONUMENT IN WALTHAM VANDALIZED AGAIN. Friends, sometime Thursday night or early Friday morning the Christopher Columbus monument on Waltham Common was vandalized with red paint again. This monument was erected in 1992 to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of Columbus's discovery of the New World. This monument has been attacked several times since 2018. The stone has already been partially cleaned. Please keep an eye out in your local communities for any similar acts of vandalism. We will keep you updated on this situation. Thank you, The IAA
Italian Heritage News
The Mellon Foundation has funded multiple projects in New Haven since 2020, and the foundation’s goals align with Mayor Justin Elicker and Rosa DeLauro’s removal of Wooster Square’s Columbus monument and its replacement with a generic immigration statue.
St. Johns School of Education Celebrates the Achievements of its Italian American Community Members
Joanne Persico ’93MBA, ’09PD Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball, was recently inducted into the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, August 14, during the 59th Biennial National Convention held at the Grand Cypress Hyatt Regency in Orlando, FL
Columbus Day Parade Brings Pittsburgh’s Italian American Story to the Streets of Bloomfield
The 2025 Pittsburgh Columbus Day Parade will feature more than 100 bands, floats, organizations and businesses, each paying tribute to the city’s Italian American community — the fifth largest in the nation.
The madness behind American-Italian Ferrari 308 that’s the world’s most expensive espresso machine
One Italian man’s dream has just become a reality with the sweet smell of coffee brewed from an espresso machine, which doubles as a Ferrari 308.
85-year-old West Virginia author says her Italian cookbook is about way more than food
West Virginian Italian American author Rosalyn Queen recently shared a few secrets and memories.
Italy's Meloni 'disgusted' by websites targeting women amid outcry over online abuse
Italy's Giorgia Meloni expressed outrage on Friday over an adult website that published unauthorized pictures of women, including of the prime minister, amid a national outcry over online misogyny and abuse.
Just south of Amalfi, Cilento offers ancient temples, pristine coastline, and the best mozzarella in Italy—for a fraction of the price.
New mural celebrates Italian heritage in Springfield’s south end
The mural, titled ‘Sunday Dinner,’ was painted by artist Eric Okdeh in collaboration with Common Wealth Murals.
What I Learned About School Leadership at My Italian Nonna’s Table
A principal’s barbecue became a blueprint for building culture, community, and collective learning.
I don't know why I was shocked that McDonald's in Italy sells whole blocks of Parmesan cheese as a snack.
How Italy created a ‘tennis machine’ and became home to some of the world’s best players
Italy has nine players ranked inside the top 100 and five in the top 50, including the all-conquering Jannik Sinner – a four-time grand slam champion and the world No. 1 since June last year.
Upcoming Events
September 6, 2025 - Italian Festival in Rocky Hill
Join the Italian-American Defense League at the 3rd Annual ItaliAmerica Festa at Elm Ridge Park, 376 Elm Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 from noon to 8 p.m. Enjoy a full day of authentic Italian food, live music, shopping, wine tasting, family fun, and more — including our famous Cultural Tent and a Spaghetti Eating Contest. Live performances by Vittorio Di Carlo “The Graceful Tenor”, Ella Cristina, local bands & entertainers all day long. Come by IADL’s tent and say “Ciao!”
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Weekend Saturday Ceremony in Clinton, CT.
Join the Italian-American Defense League at Liberty Green in Clinton, CT at 9 a.m. The theme is “E Pluribus Unum.” Commemorate the spirit of courage, faith, and determination of Christopher Columbus and the immigrants who followed his path to the new world; a day to express honor and love for the United States.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut at noon, rain or shine. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony in New Haven
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut at 10 a.m. The theme this year is “Bringing people together.” Commemorate American heritage and the Italian immigrants who dedicated the Christopher Columbus monument in 1892.
Donate to IADL using this link. Zeffy charges NO FEES! 100% of your donations will go to the Italian-American Defense League.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
IADL Newsletter
August 24, 2025 – Sacco and Vanzetti
August 23rd is the anniversary of the execution of Nicolo Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti for a murder they didn’t commit in South Braintree, Massachusetts. The trial took place during a time of Italia-phobia and drew worldwide attention during the 1920s. After the Russian Revolution and the first Red Scare, the [anti] Immigration Act of 1924 ended the “Great Arrival” of Italian immigrants. Sacco and Vanzetti were born in Italy and self-proclaimed anarchists which made them easy scapegoats by law enforcement.
The arrests, trial, and executions made newspaper headlines around the world. One paper included a caption “Don’t Kill My Daddy,” which was said by Inez Sacco, Nicolo’s daughter. To remember the August 23, 1927 executions, here are Bartolomeo Vanzetti’s final words before his conviction by the court describing the character of his friend, Sacco.
Sacco too is a worker from his boyhood, a skilled worker, lover of work, with a good job and pay, a good and lovely wife, two beautiful children and a neat little home at the verge of a wood, near a brook. Sacco is a heart, a faith, a character, a man; a man lover of nature and of mankind. A man who gave all, who sacrifice all to the cause of Liberty and to his love of mankind; money, rest, mundane ambitions, his own wife, his children, himself and his own life. Sacco has never dreamt to steal, never to assassinate. He and I never brought a morsel of bread to our mouths, from our childhood to today – which has not been gained by the sweat of our brows. Never.
Furthermore, Vanzetti compares his execution to what his life could have been.
I might have live out my life talking at street corners to scorning men. I might have die, unmarked, unknown, a failure. Now we are not a failure. This is our career and our triumph. Never in our full life could we hope to do such work for tolerance, for justice, for man’s understanding of man as now we do by accident. Our words – our lives – our pains – nothing! The taking of our lives – lives of a good shoemaker and a poor fishpeddler – all! The last moment belongs to us – the agony is our triumph.
As Americans we cannot forget the journey of all immigrant groups throughout history and their quests for justice. Let us remember the sacrifice of two Italian immigrants by never taking our precious gifts of justice and liberty for granted. Five years ago, Mayor Michael Passero of New London, CT ordered the removal of the city’s Columbus monument which was dedicated in 1928. The Italian anarchists of New London who endured and witnessed Sacco and Vanzetti’s injustice erected the statue following the executions. Unlike Passero and the City Council, we will remember Sacco and Vanzetti’s sacrifice. Learn more about Sacco and Vanzetti by reading this History Channel article.
Italian Heritage News
Max Corvo for Freedom Docudrama Showing a Success at OSDIA in Derby, CT
An audience of thirty history-buffs, OSDIA members, and Italian-American Defense League members viewed the film. The night was filled with cordial conversations, storytelling, and reactions before and after the movie. At moments during the evening some even witnessed tears during heartwarming moments. Many in the room empathized with Corvo when he returned to Italy and hugged his grandmother for the last time. Many were in awe of Corvo’s pivotal role in implementing and carrying out the Office of Strategic Services plan to invade Italy. Corvo’s courage, intelligence, and self-sacrifice should be known by all. Thank you to OSDIA and Bill Corvo for giving the Italian-American Defense League the opportunity to host the event.
Broome County erects fence to protect Columbus statue
A barrier was built to protect the monument from vandalism.
Nine of the 20 Serie A clubs are currently owned or co-owned by American and Canadian shareholders
Amy Bizzarri, travel enthusiast, shares her love of Italy, “As lucky as I am to visit Italy every year, I still wish I could go more often. Thankfully, I've discovered a handful of places across the US that capture the energy of my favorite Italian regions.”
Southington, CT Sons of Italy mark 115 years and ‘endurance of cultural heritage’
Tony Cusano, president, states, “As Italian immigrants and their descendants found their footing in their new homeland, the organization’s mission evolved. No longer solely a support system for newcomers, it became an advocate for Italian American heritage and a champion for charitable endeavors.”
Italian of the Year banquet to celebrate two Norwich community leaders
According to David Demille, “Honorees are chosen for their contributions to the local Italian community, commitment to preserving heritage and culture, and service to the greater Norwich area.”
The One Trick for Grandma-Approved Meatballs, According to 4 Italian Chefs
"Soaking the bread will also help it blend more evenly into the meat mixture which also keeps the meatballs from drying out as they cook," says Angelo Caruso.
Italian climber dies trying to rescue friend stuck on 7,400m peak
Luca Sinigaglia has been hailed as a hero after twice risking his life to help Natalia Nagovitsyna who broke her leg near the summit of Pobeda Peak in Kyrgyzstan
A 1,000-Year-Old Castle in Italy Is on the Market—and It’s Less Than 20 Miles from Milan
Dating back to the 11th century, the romantic estate features a central courtyard, ancient frescoes, and endless restoration charm.
Italian guide collapses and dies while leading Colosseum tour in searing heat
Rome tour guides call for attractions’ opening hours to be reviewed after death of Giovanna Maria Giammarino
“Rome Made Easy offers readers an authentic, local insight into one of the most captivating cities in the world,” says the author, Douglas E. Morris, who lived in Italy for over 15 years, 10 of them in Rome.
Upcoming Events
September 6, 2025 - Italian Festival in Rocky Hill
Join the Italian-American Defense League at this cultural event. Watch Italian American Historical Society president, Laura Parisi, discussing the festival with Mayor Lisa Marotta at this link.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Weekend Saturday Ceremony in Clinton, CT.
Join the Italian-American Defense League at Liberty Green in Clinton, CT at 9 a.m. The theme is “E Pluribus Unum.” Commemorate the spirit of courage, faith, and determination of Christopher Columbus and the immigrants who followed his path to the new world; a day to express honor and love for the United States.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut at noon, rain or shine. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony in New Haven
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut at 10 a.m. The theme this year is “Bringing people together.” Commemorate American heritage and the Italian immigrants who dedicated the Christopher Columbus monument in 1892.
Donate to IADL using this link. Zeffy charges NO FEES! 100% of your donations will go to the Italian-American Defense League.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
The Sacco & Vanzetti trial gained worldwide attention including protests during the 1920s.
IADL Newsletter
August 17, 2025 – More Columbus Comebacks
This week I look forward to the Friday, August 22nd Max Corvo award winning docudrama viewing at OSDIA in Derby, Connecticut. Corvo worked for the OSS (precursor to CIA) during WW2. IADL and OSDIA are hosting the event at 73 High Street, Derby CT 06418 at 6:30 PM. You can still RSVP for this free event by emailing Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com. Include your name and how many attendees.
As I was preparing for Friday’s event and the creation of an Italian heritage exhibit for September 6th's Italian Festival in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, I’ve had time to reflect. First, I would like to express gratitude and appreciation for Phil Dickey’s involvement on IADL’s board of directors. Dickey’s advice, passion, and contributions have been instrumental to IADL’s growth and success including the fight to return the Columbus monument to New Haven. One board member stated it best by writing, “[Dickey is] an example of a true American not afraid to stand up for what [he believes] in.” On July 29th, Dickey resigned from the board but will stay an active member of the IADL. Thank you, Phil.
Currently, IADL has 6 board members: Matthew Guarnieri, president; Vince Angelino, treasurer; Frank Grazioso, director; Fran Calzetta, director; James Urbano, director and Louis Ritucci, director. Board members are volunteers who meet once per month. We have 3 vacant positions and welcome IADL members to contact us if they are interested in joining the board.
Second, prayers and condolences to the family of James Robert Picone. Jim passed away on August 5, 2025 after a four-year battle with cancer. His is described by family members as courageous. Jim was an IADL member, and I remember his dignified and kind demeaner when meeting him at IADL’s wreath laying ceremony at Wooster Square Park. Jim is a man of faith and will be missed by many. You can read his full obituary here.
Italian Heritage News
Christopher Columbus statue could return to city in a new park. See the proposal
Reimagining Columbus has unveiled its "generational vision" for a park that includes the Christopher Columbus statue but is not centered on it.
Columbus Pedestal Removed from Grant Park, Leaving Statue’s Future in Limbo
The pedestal that once held the Christopher Columbus statue in Grant Park has been removed, drawing criticism from a local Italian American civic group.
Letter: Columbus Day column provided reminder of issues at home
“I still like the way former Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary handled the Columbus statue debacle. He put it on the ballot and let voters decide. With the large Italian population in Waterbury, the outcome was a no brainer,” writes Joe Nolan.
Christine Flowers | Celebrating the Return of Columbus Day
“It was a clear and pointed attack against the Italian community in Philadelphia. He could have simply picked another day to give to the Indigenous. He did not do that. He deliberately replaced Columbus with the Indigenous. The symbolism was obvious.” - Christine Flowers
Bergen County town restores Columbus Park name months after changing it. Here's why
Deputy Mayor Kevin Kane states, "This resolution is a step toward honoring Garfield's history and ensuring that future generations recognize and appreciate the rich tapestry of our city's history."
Jimmy Kimmel secures Italian citizenship in case he needs to escape Trump’s second term
Kimmel has dual citizenship because of Italian ancestry on his mother’s side. His great-grandparents are Neapolitan.
“Not every 'bella' is an invitation to flirt,” Sema Karaman explains.
An Italian Festival Celebrates Its 115th Year in the North End
According to the article, the main event will feature, “a young girl dressed as an angel will be suspended on a wire above the feast and then raised back up into the window after a short prayer.”
Chef Franco Pepe's pizza has been voted the best in the world and he loves Neapolitan food
A different Frank Pepe than New Haven’s best who is an expert in more than pizza!
Ferragosto Food Traditions: From Ancient Rome to Modern Italian Feasts
A day steeped in history, celebration, and, most importantly, food.
Taste of Italy returns to Norwich on Sept. 6: 'We’re already getting excitement'
The festival returns after a 5-year hiatus following the Covid pandemic.
Upcoming Events
September 6, 2025 - Italian Festival in Rocky Hill
Join the Italian-American Defense League at this cultural event. Watch Italian American Historical Society president, Laura Parisi, discussing the festival with Mayor Lisa Marotta at this link.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
Park visitors will have the choice of viewing the Columbus statue from two different levels.
IADL Newsletter
August 10, 2025 – Christopher Columbus “Comeback”
Reminder: Special Event
August 22, 2025 - Max Corvo Docudrama Viewing at OSDIA Derby – Free Event
Bill Corvo, the son of Max Corvo who worked for the OSS (precursor to CIA) during WW2, will present a showing of a docudrama about Max's life. The film is 90 minutes with Questions and Answers to follow. IADL will provide light refreshments with the film beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025. WTNH News 8 tells the story of the Sicilian from Middletown in this 2015 interview and you can watch the trailer of Max Corvo for Freedom: The Secret War of OSS in Italy 1943-1945 here on filmfreeway.com or YouTube. The second two links are from the producer of the film. RSVP by emailing Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com or texting (860) 552-9597. Include your name and how many attendees. Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s Derby, Connecticut lodge is located at 73 High Street Derby, Connecticut 06418.
The Italian American Alliance (IAA) asked that IADL shares this important news: The Massachusetts GOP passed a resolution in support of Columbus Day. The following is the IAA’s press release.
On Thursday July 31st, the Massachusetts Republican State Committee held their quarterly meeting. One of the resolutions to be voted on was offered by State Committeeman Nicholas Miceli. Mr. Miceli was unable to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment in Washington, D.C. and so extended the honor of reading the Resolution to Virginia (Papa) Gardner, Chair of the National Chapter of the Italian American Alliance. The resolution was passed unanimously.
Mrs. Gardner (also an IADL member) spoke briefly before reading the Resolution:
"The Italian American Alliance is extremely grateful for your support of this important resolution. We believe Christopher Columbus was one of the first victims of the cancel culture. Italian American hate started before the 1891 lynching of 11 innocent Italian Americans.
We are proud Americans, we honor our heritage, traditions, and language. We applaud the MASSGOP and our President, Donald J. Trump for his support.
I would be remiss if I did not recognize, Dr. Domenic Amara, Chairman of the Italian American Alliance. Dr. Amara was my Co-Chair of the Italian Americans for Trump Campaign in 2024. On July 11, 2025, Domenic Amara lost his courageous battle with cancer at the age of 85. I know Dr. Domenic Amara would be extremely grateful for this resolution.
I am honored to read this resolution To Preserve Columbus Day, which was offered by State Committeeman, Nicholas Miceli":
Resolution to Preserve Columbus Day
Whereas: The Massachusetts Republican Party stands with the Commonwealth's Italian Americans, Spanish Americans, Catholic Americans, historians, and other devoted citizens in steadfastly supporting preservation of the second Monday of October as "Columbus Day" which is currently the federally recognized holiday.
Whereas: The Massachusetts Republican Party acknowledges the history of the holiday. Columbus Day was instituted as part of an agreement between the United States and Italy to avoid a pending war in the aftermath of the horrific lynching of eleven Italians in New Orleans in 1891. Ever after, it has been commemorated for Italians to celebrate their heritage and collective contributions to the United States.
Whereas: The Knights of Columbus celebrate Columbus Day, knowing that the explorer brought Christianity to the New World – giving voice and representation to generations of Catholics.
Whereas: We already honor and celebrate the Indigenous community, on Native American Heritage Day the Friday after Thanksgiving in November.
Whereas: The Massachusetts Republican Party stands with the sentiment expressed by President Donald J. Trump who stated that he is “bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes.”
Be It Resolved: That the Massachusetts Republican Party stands in opposition to the repeal of the Federal Holiday of Columbus Day. The Massachusetts Republican Party will stand against canceling the historical figure who has served as a symbol of pride for many Americans and:
1. Recognize Columbus Day
2. Oppose the destruction of Columbus statues
3. Acknowledge the discrimination against Italian Americans
4. Oppose efforts to erase culture
5. Stand against hate of ALL ethnic groups
6. Celebrate both Italian and Indigenous peoples both on their respective holidays
Offered by Nicholas Miceli
Italian Heritage News
Columbus Day Restored in Philadelphia After Former Mayor’s Executive Order Reversed by Appeals Court
According to the press release, “The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court delivered a unanimous 7–0 decision this week, ruling that former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney exceeded his executive powers four years ago when he replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day as an official city holiday.” IADL hopes we can arrive at a similar decision regarding our lawsuit in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit for the return of the Columbus statue in New Haven.
THE COLUMBUS DAY PARADE RETURNS in Springfield, Massachusetts!
“For the first time in 23 years, the streets of the South End will once again echo with the sounds of pride, heritage, and celebration. The Sons & Daughters of Italy are proud to announce the return of the Columbus Day Parade on Sunday, October 12!” according to the Springfield Italians Facebook page.
Heritage groups accuse Zohran Mamdani of Italian-American ‘hate’ over Columbus stance
Angelo Vivolo, president of the Columbus Heritage Coalition, explained, “These are symbols that hold deep meaning for many, especially within the Italian-American community. His [Mamdani’s] divisive rhetoric and polarizing ideology threaten to deepen the fractures in our city at a time when unity and pragmatic leadership are desperately needed.”
Growing Up Italian: a modern voice for a timeless Italian American community
Sabino, Rocco, and Michela, the founders of Growing Up Italian on social media and a podcast explain that “We went from 60,000 to 250,000 followers in a week, and then we just kept growing and growing.”
Italy gives final go-ahead for landmark Sicily bridge project
Journalist Angelo Amante writes, “Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it a priority and has set aside 13.5 billion euros ($15.63 billion) over the next 10 years to build it and surrounding facilities.”
SpaceX signs deal to fly Italian experiments to Mars on Starship's 1st commercial Red Planet flights
"The payloads will include, among other things, a plant growth experiment, a meteorological monitoring station and a radiation sensor," Italian Space Agency officials said.
If you enjoy fashion and would like to browse affordable dresses, this is the article for you.
Upcoming Events
August 13, 2025 – Save the Date – Hartford Yard Goats Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night at the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball game hosted by Hartford UNICO. Tickets are $17.
September 6, 2025 - Italian Festival in Rocky Hill
Join the Italian-American Defense League at this cultural event. Watch Italian American Historical Society president, Laura Parisi, discussing the festival with Mayor Lisa Marotta at this link.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
IADL Newsletter
August 3, 2025 – Special Showing of Docudrama
Below is the text of a press release for IADL’s special showing of an award-winning docudrama. Please RSVP by emailing Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com or texting (860) 552-9597. Include your name and how many attendees. Walk-ins are welcome but the RSVPs help us prepare.
A special public screening of the docufilm, ”Max Corvo - For Freedom: The War of OSS in Italy, 1943-1945," will be presented by the Italian-American Defense League and hosted in Derby by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy America, at the Derby Lodge. 73 High Street, Derby, Connecticut Friday, August 22, at 6:30 P.M. All are welcome.
The film tells the remarkable, true story of Biagio Max Corvo, a young Sicilian immigrant who arrived in Middletown from Melilli, Sicily in 1929, at the age of nine. He came to Middletown with his mother, brother, and sister to join their father, Cesare, who was forced to leave the island six years before because he was persecuted by the Fascist regime. After growing up in Middletown and becoming a proud American, Corvo joined the Army shortly before World War II and became the Chief of Operations of Secret Intelligence of the American OSS (Office of Strategic Services-precursor of the CIA) in Italy during the military campaign of Allied forces in Italy from 1943 to 1945.
The film was produced by Cordan Enterprises, LLC, a Middletown company owned by members of the Corvo family. Ezio Costanzo, the award-winning director and screenwriter of the film, tells this story using a framework of historical events alternating with personal stories during the secret war conducted in Italy by the men of the American intelligence service, the OSS. The wartime events are enhanced with Corvo’s individual, brilliant, and meticulous memories.
During World War II, Corvo was quickly recruited into the OSS, where he prepared an intelligence plan (Corvo Plan) for the organization in Sicily of a network of collaborators for the liberation of the island from the Fascists and Nazis (Operation Husky, 10 July 1943). He was appointed Chief of Secret Intelligence Operations for the OSS in Italy. He was chosen for this mission because of his familiarity with Italy and Sicily, for his knowledge of the Italian language and the Sicilian dialect, and his political friendships among the Italian refugees in the United States. Because of this background Corvo was able to propose and implement a series of espionage operations in the field, some of which were spectacular, in support of the war against the Germans and the Fascists. These missions helped achieve victory for the Allies in Italy during the war. Corvo recruited key personnel to work with him in OSS Secret Intelligence in Italy from Middletown. This included Atty. Vincent Scamporino, Attorney and Wesleyan graduate Emilio “Mim” Daddario, Sebastian Passanisi, Frank Tarallo. Louis Fiorilla and Sam Fraulino.
"Corvo's is a truly incredible story,” says the director and screenwriter of the film, Ezio Costanzo, “if you stop and think that he joined the OSS when he was only 22 years old, after having lived in America for just thirteen years.” Even more amazing is the fact that Max Corvo never graduated from high school, leaving school after the eleventh grade to work to help provide for his family during the Great Depression.
The decision to place this foreign-born, very young man as Chief of Operations for Strategic Intelligence operations in Italy was an authentic act of genius by Earl Brennan, the Head of the Italian Section for OSS in Washington. The success of the missions in the field ensured Corvo the constant support of General William Donovan, Director of the OSS. Donovan was a very tough and demanding man. Following the end of World War II and the surrender of the Germans, Corvo and the other leaders of OSS Secret Intelligence operations in Italy were returned rapidly to the United States as a result of complaints from a number of competing OSS agents in Switzerland, including Allen Dulles. Years later, and thanks to the vast documentation preserved by Max Corvo which his family placed in The Max Corvo Archive at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, it was possible to reconstruct this particular moment of the history of Italy, the American OSS, and his work during the liberation of Italy from the Nazis and Fascists.”
FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS
Since its original release in 2024, the film has received more than fourteen major Film Festival Awards, including Best Documentary Film at the Rome International Movie Awards Festival as well as the New York International Film Awards and “Official Selection” from the New York Lift Off Festival as well as the International Film Festival of Austria and the DUMBO Film Festival in Brooklyn, New York.
Italian Heritage News
The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus
Why is it that Christopher Columbus is prompting political controversy in the United States more than 500 years after his 1506 death? The U.S. Capitol Historical Society hosted Columbus scholar Matthew Restall to provide answers. Watch this 50-minute lecture on American History TV.
Columbus statue to come down: Liberation time
One year after the first public consultation on statues and monuments in Trinidad and Tobago, the Port of Spain City Council has announced that the bronze statue of Christopher Columbus will be moved to the National Museum, and a new monument will be created to replace it.
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples - August 9
The upcoming International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples will put a spotlight on this through its theme, “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.”
Riding Across America: An Italian American Ultracyclist’s Journey of Pain, Purpose, and Perseverance
“This year, I had the rare honor of being the only American citizen to complete RAAM solo. And at the same time, I became the 21st Italian in history to finish it, proudly carrying both flags across the continent.” - Giovanni Prosperi
Fed-up Italian farmers set up mountain turnstiles to charge access to Instagram hot spots
If Carlo Zanella, president of the Alto Adige Alpine Club, had his way, travel influencers would be banned from the Dolomites.
Holy See and Italy sign agreement for renewable energy plant
The Holy See and the Italian Republic have signed an agreement to build an agrivoltaic plant in the Vatican’s Santa Maria di Galeria area just outside of Rome, aiming to supply Vatican City State with renewable energy.
A Promise Kept: An Italian American’s 18-Year Journey for Dual Citizenship“
“My parents visited Italy in 1978, where they met my dad’s uncles, aunts and cousins. Six years ago, I traveled to Controne myself, hoping I might finally be able to secure Italian citizenship — something I had started working toward nearly two decades earlier.” - Ed Manfredi
Upcoming Events
August 4, 2025 – September 11, 2025 - Italian Language Classes Online
Sign up now for online Italian language classes at the Italian Center. Session 2 is from August 4 to September 11. Each session costs $215. For more information go to the Italian Center’s website here.
August 13, 2025 – Save the Date – Hartford Yard Goats Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night at the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball game hosted by Hartford UNICO. Tickets are $17.
August 22, 2025 - Max Corvo Docudrama Viewing at OSDIA Derby – Free Event
Bill Corvo, the son of Max Corvo who worked for the OSS (precursor to CIA) during WW2, will present a showing of a docudrama about Max's life. The film is 90 minutes with Questions and Answers to follow. IADL will provide light refreshments with the film beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025. WTNH News 8 tells the story of the Sicilian from Middletown in this 2015 interview and you can watch the trailer of Max Corvo for Freedom: The Secret War of OSS in Italy 1943-1945 here on filmfreeway.com or YouTube. The second two links are from the producer of the film. RSVP by emailing Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com or texting (860) 552-9597. Include your name and how many attendees. Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s Derby, Connecticut lodge is located at 73 High Street Derby, Connecticut 06418.
September 6, 2025 - Italian Festival in Rocky Hill
Join the Italian-American Defense League at this cultural event. Watch Italian American Historical Society president, Laura Parisi, discussing the festival with Mayor Lisa Marotta at this link.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
IADL Newsletter
July 27, 2025 – Joint Letter to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations and IADL signed a joint letter to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro making a clear statement showing the majority of Italian American organizations disagree with her stance on the removal of New Haven’s Columbus monument. Below is the text of the letter co-signed by COPOMIAO President Basil Russo.
As a beacon of Italian Americans in the Greater New Haven area and nationally, we appreciate your unwavering support for Columbus Day as a federal holiday, bipartisan work as co-chair of the Italian American Congressional Delegation, and co-sponsorship of the bill, “National Museum of Italian American History Commission Act,” to explore the feasibility of creating a Smithsonian museum in Washington D.C. dedicated to Italian American history and culture. For three decades, you’ve promoted and rallied behind the Italian American community. Now we ask you to stand with Italians of the past and present by commemorating the achievements of Christopher Columbus as the very foundation of Italian American cultural heritage.
Five years have passed since the summer of 2020 when Italian heritage came under attack. The Christopher Columbus monument which was dedicated by the Italian American community of New Haven in 1892 was removed as collateral damage during a time of unrest and social upheaval following the George Floyd tragedy. On June 24, 2020, Italian Americans stood in protest of the removal of the monument that formed a bond between them and the City of New Haven. The removal of the Columbus statue was accompanied by disrespectful and derisive behavior, causing distress which ultimately led to a series of legal actions because a political resolution seemed unattainable. The plinth remains empty with the dedication plaque removed and references to Columbus covered. The Columbus statue is now located in a nearby private museum with limited hours and little foot traffic.
Presidents of seventy-five Italian heritage organizations that make up COPOMIAO agree the removal of the Christopher Columbus monument, plaque, and references was an injustice. We are asking that the statue is returned to its base, the dedication plaque is restored, and the references to Columbus are revealed. Now is a time of healing, and with your influence and resources, hope in putting people over politics can be reinstated in the Italian American community.
Italian Heritage News
National Italian American Foundation mourns Italian American Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan
Born Terry Gene Bollea to Pietro "Peter" Bollea and Ruth Moody, Hogan proudly carried forward his Italian heritage through his paternal grandfather, also named Pietro, who immigrated from Cigliano in the Province of Vercelli (Piedmont), Italy, in 1886. This Italian lineage remained an important part of Hulk Hogan's identity throughout his legendary career.
Founder and Chairman of Italian American Alliance Passes Away after Battle with Cancer
Dr. Domenic G. Amara, PhD, was the former Academic Superintendent for Middle and K-8 schools of the Boston Public School District. Prior to that role, he was the principal of the Warren Prescott K-8 School in Charlestown for 21 years after teaching science in the East Boston High School.
The statue’s pedestal removal Thursday angered the president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, who called it a betrayal of a deal the committee had with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration.
Italian Americans, for and Against Mamdani, Square Off in New York
They vowed to fight Mr. Mamdani’s bid to become mayor. Some pledged their allegiance to Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate in November’s general election.
American religious studies teacher survives horrific migrant attack while vacationing in Italy
‘My life from this day forward is a miracle,’ he told the Staten Island Advance. ‘I’ve been saved by the right hand of the almighty Father.’
Interview with Louis G. Bruno, Jr. Author of “The Love of San Demetrio”
“Our lives today in the U.S., many of us as accomplished professionals with graduate and doctorate degrees, were enabled by those who left their families and everything they knew in Italy.” Link to the author’s website.
“After being a mom to four kids, it's amazing to travel alone. Eating, sleeping, and reading when you want to is nice. You can go back to the same restaurant twice or visit a museum. You have no one to apologize to or explain yourself to.”
Designer Stella Jean shares her best summer Italian fashion styles, from new trends to timeless classics.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, July 27 - One more Day of Southington’s Huge Italian American Festival
The festival is located at lower Center Street from noon to five. Sons of Italy, UNICO Club of Southington, and Sorelle d'Italia in America host the event.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 – Italian-American Defense League Board Meeting
Calling on all members! Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.
August 4, 2025 – September 11, 2025 - Italian Language Classes Online
Sign up now for online Italian language classes at the Italian Center. Session 2 is from August 4 to September 11. Each session costs $215. For more information go to the Italian Center’s website here.
August 13, 2025 – Save the Date – Hartford Yard Goats Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night at the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball game hosted by Hartford UNICO. Tickets are $17.
August 22, 2025 - Max Corvo Docudrama Viewing at OSDIA Derby – Free Event
Bill Corvo, the son of Max Corvo who worked for the OSS (precursor to CIA) during WW2, will present a showing of a docudrama about Max's life. The film is 90 minutes with Questions and Answers to follow. IADL will provide light refreshments with the film beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025. WTNH News 8 tells the story of the Sicilian from Middletown in this 2015 interview and you can watch the trailer of Max Corvo for Freedom: The Secret War of OSS in Italy 1943-1945 here on filmfreeway.com or YouTube. The second two links are from the producer of the film. RSVP by emailing Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com or texting (860) 552-9597. Include your name and how many attendees. Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s Derby, Connecticut lodge is located at 73 High Street Derby, Connecticut 06418.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
IADL Newsletter
July 20, 2025 – Progress on the Connecticut Shoreline and Beyond
Welcome to David Esposito, our newest IADL member!
Five years after the “Summer of Love” when rioters toppled Christopher Columbus statues in Maryland, Minnesota, and Virginia, a mayor finally was willing to sit down and talk to the Italian-American Defense League about his decision to remove the Columbus Statue in New London, Connecticut. The July 9th meeting was an important first step in determining the future of the monument that was dedicated on October 12, 1928. Mayor Michael Passero assures us that the statue is preserved and stored in a safe location.
Michael Rocchetti, the son of an anarchist playwright in New London wrote a tribute to his father and shared the meaning of the Christopher Columbus monument to Italian immigrants. He explains the two factions of Italians who settled in New London – the Marchegiani of Northern Italy and the Anarchists of Southern Italy. The Marchegian founded the Italian Dramatic Society and the Italian Mutual Aid Society. Marchegiani lived in the Fort Trumbull neighborhood. The Sicilians formed a community on Shaw Street and worked with their Northern counterparts. Giuseppe Garibaldi’s war of Italian unification ending in 1861 was still fresh in the hearts and minds of these Italian immigrants. The Italian Dramatic Society building and Garibaldi Square Fountain are Italian landmarks in the city even today. Read more of Rochetti’s account which gives insight into family life, theater, war, and tension in the early twentieth century industrial seaport.
Clinton, Connecticut Library – Columbus Day Update
The Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton, Connecticut now lists October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. In 2023, the Italian-American Defense League communicated with the library’s board of directors in a series of letters after library officials only listed Indigenous Peoples Day as the holiday on the second Monday of October. IADL thanks library officials for listening and making the change to the current calendar in what they see as the most inclusive approach. IADL’s official position is that only Columbus Day should be listed on October 13th and Indigenous Peoples’ Day should be celebrated on August 9th or the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro continues to use her Italian American identity for political gain but turned her back on Italian immigrants when it mattered most in 2020
DeLauro wrote in a press release emailed to constituents on July 17th, “As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Italian American Congressional Delegation, I will continue to promote the Italian American community, its values, and contributions, and to spotlight Italy’s role as an important ally in our joint security and shared prosperity. I look forward to continuing these discussions to strengthen and celebrate our community.”
A director of the Italian-American Defense League responded in writing to the congresswoman asking, “ How do you square the removal of New Haven's Columbus statue in 2020 with your commitment to "promote the Italian American community, it's values and contributions ...?" The Columbus achievement is the very foundation of the Italian American cultural heritage.
Italian Heritage News
“People are going to come out when they can, at night, whenever the police aren't here, painting their street. They're going to take back their heritage.”
‘Italian cultural identity is rooted in Christianity’ — An Interview with Benedetta Vimercati
“Italy has a history that is interlinked with Catholicism and with the story of the Vatican in Italy. But when the Constitutional Assembly decided to write the Constitution, they wrote in the Constitution that the church and the state are separated. And that’s one of the important principles of the Italian constitution.”
Want to add a name to Norwich Connecticut’s Italian monument? Here’s how
After Christopher Columbus references were removed from Norwich’s Italian Heritage Monument in 2020, now you could add your own family’s name if your Italian ancestors emigrated to Norwich.
Indigenous activists see Trump’s Columbus Day rhetoric as cause for continued advocacy
The question remains: Will President Trump’s executive order to restore Columbus Day expand celebrations or inspire political activists to revive their attacks against our Italian American holiday?
Cuomo again defends Columbus amid renewed calls to remove statue
Then Governor Andrew Cuomo advocated for Italian Americans and the preservation of Italian heritage. Cuomo defends New York’s Christopher Columbus monuments in this 2020 Daily News article. Is he the right man for Italians to vote for Mayor of New York City today?
Cuomo Says Anti-Italian Stereotypes ‘Hurt’ And ‘Scarred’ His Father
“Italian Americans are not Mafia. Don’t you dare liken my family to the family in The Godfather or The Sopranos.”
“The packed beach remained unaware of the freak accident until the boy’s dad, who had been dozing under a beach umbrella, woke up and realized his eldest son was missing.”
PRIMO Magazine Endorses Curtis Sliwa for Mayor of New York City
“From his working-class upbringing to his decades-long fight for public safety and community empowerment, Curtis Sliwa represents a voice of courage, grit, and dedication to the people of New York.”
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 – Italian-American Defense League Board Meeting
Calling on all members! Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.
August 4, 2025 – September 11, 2025 - Italian Language Classes Online
Sign up now for online Italian language classes at the Italian Center. Session 2 is from August 4 to September 11. Each session costs $215. For more information go to the Italian Center’s website here.
August 13, 2025 – Save the Date – Hartford Yard Goats Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night at the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball game hosted by Hartford UNICO. Tickets are $17.
August 22, 2025 - Max Corvo Docudrama Viewing at OSDIA Derby – Free Event
Bill Corvo, the son of Max Corvo who worked for the OSS (precursor to CIA) during WW2, will present a showing of a docudrama about Max's life. The film is 90 minutes with Questions and Answers to follow. IADL will provide light refreshments with the film beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025. WTNH News 8 tells the story of the Sicilian from Middletown in this 2015 interview and you can watch the trailer of Max Corvo for Freedom: The Secret War of OSS in Italy 1943-1945 here on filmfreeway.com or YouTube. The second two links are from the producer of the film. RSVP by emailing Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com or texting (860) 552-9597. Include your name and how many attendees. Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s Derby, Connecticut lodge is located at 73 High Street Derby, Connecticut 06418.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
Concrete slab that New London's Columbus statue and plinth once stood on in Columbus Square 7/9/2025
IADL Newsletter
July 13, 2025 – Stop Godfather Stereotypes
Welcome to Dominic Spinella and Dominick Cuti, our newest IADL members, and Manuele La Torre, our latest newsletter subscriber.
In Vanity Fair, Sam Tanenhaus perpetuates a lazy, Italian American stereotype when critiquing President Donald Trump. The article, “The Godfather Presidency: How Donald Trump’s Governing Style Mimics the Mob” compares Trump’s leadership style to organized crime while reinforcing negative Italian American imagery and caricatures. Tanenhaus describes Trump’s experience dealing in mafia culture as a real estate developer in New York as crucial in his rise to power. However, instead of detailing particular associations or real mafia connections, Tanenhaus refers to “Godfather” film comparisons and ignores the modern-day corruption by corporate America, pharmaceutical companies, and unions. While other presidents including Bill Clinton and Barack Obama get a free pass from associations with organized crime, that is one luxury President Trump is not afforded, as a result of his dealings with high profile and successful Italian American males. Tanenhaus slowly builds his case and loses focus of his central theme throughout the piece. However, when the reader is wondering where the writer will turn next, he loosely reconnects his political commentary to the mafia theme. Tanenhaus illustrates his writing creativity and political knowledge but fails in offering his readers any specific corruption. Yes, Trump became “tough as nails” while dealing in a corrupt city; however, whether you view that as positive or negative likely depends on your political leanings. You can read the entire article here.
Italian Heritage News
Venere Vesuviana: An Ode to Italian Women
Fashion News: “From sharp suiting to delicate silhouettes, Max Mara’s Resort 2026 collection is a cinematic homage to modern heroines.”
Italian POWs in the US "Prisoners in Paradise" during World War II
“The award-winning documentary film “Prisoners in Paradise,” recounts the story of the young soldiers brought to the U.S. as POWs, their romances and friendships with American women, their contribution to the Allied war effort, and — for some — their decision to return to live in the U.S.”
Retired Tennis Superstar Venus Williams to Wed in September in Italy: Exclusive
“The American tennis superstar will wed her Italian fiancée, actor and model Andrea Preti, in an intimate ceremony on Italy’s Amalfi coast”
Italian Tennis Star Jannik Sinner Dominates Djokovic, Sets Up Wimbledon Final vs. Alcaraz
“Sinner, a 23-year-old Italian, and Alcaraz, a 22-year-old Spaniard, now head into a rematch of their epic final at the French Open four weeks ago.”
“He is being disrespectful to the Italian American community” said Vivolo, who is the former head of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, which runs the city’s Columbus Day Parade. “If you offend one community, you offend all communities.”
Despite the hateful act, Frank Morano won the primary and secured the seat until the November election. Read more here.
Springfield, Massachusetts' Italian feast returns after 20 years
Beyond the authentic Italian cuisine, the event will feature live entertainment, games, and rides for families and a competition that may get a little greasy. “The grease pole competition is open to anyone,” DiMauro noted. “Essentially, the whole pole’s covered in lard and they form a human ladder and people climb up people’s backs, so whoever can get to the top, grab the flag, grab the cash prize.
Upcoming Events
Now – September 11, 2025 - Italian Language Classes Online
Sign up now for online Italian language classes at the Italian Center. Session 1 is from June 16 -July 24. Session 2 is from August 4 to September 11. Each session costs $215. For more information go to the Italian Center’s website here.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 – Italian-American Defense League Board Meeting
Calling on all members! Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.
August 13, 2025 – Save the Date – Hartford Yard Goats Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night at the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball game hosted by Hartford UNICO. Tickets are $17.
August 22, 2025 - Max Corvo Docudrama Viewing at OSDIA Derby – Free Event
Bill Corvo, the son of Max Corvo who worked for the OSS (precursor to CIA) during WW2, will present a showing of a docudrama about Max's life. The film is 90 minutes with Questions and Answers to follow. IADL will provide light refreshments with the film beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025. WTNH News 8 tells the story of the Sicilian from Middletown in this 2015 interview and you can watch the trailer of Max Corvo for Freedom: The Secret War of OSS in Italy 1943-1945 here on filmfreeway.com or YouTube. The second two links are from the producer of the film. RSVP by emailing Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com or texting (860) 552-9597. Include your name and how many attendees. Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s Derby, Connecticut lodge is located at 73 High Street Derby, Connecticut 06418.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
Vanity Fair illustration by The Red Dress July/August 2025
IADL Newsletter
July 6, 2025 – No Respect in Newton, Massachusetts
Italian American Alliance called for a reconsideration of a "cancel culture" decision by Newton Mayor Fuller last week. Virginia (Papa) Gardner, former IADL board member and current IAA National president, wrote:
On June 26, The Mayor of Newton, Massachusetts, Ruthanne Fuller, ordered the removal of an iconic symbol of Italian Pride in Nonantum, a small community within the City. On June 26, 2025, 11 PM - the outgoing Mayor, without warning or notice ordered her Public Works to remove the “Italian Tricolors” markings of Red, White and Green on a small stretch of Adams Street. The elimination of the parade markers was just three weeks from the St. Mary of Carmen’s 90th Annual Festival. The clandestine move by Mayor Fuller was reminiscent of a similarly craven tactic of former Mayor Kim Janey of Boston, who in the last hours of her administration, secretly eliminated the commemoration of Columbus Day in Boston.
Mayor Fuller’s actions are as reprehensible as they are puzzling. The tricolor markings have long marked the harmony of Italian Americans with the Newton Community. Why she has chosen this time to outrage so many in the community is puzzling. The move is not only disrespectful, but it seems to be a conscious attempt to diminish the contributions of Italian Americans to their community.
St. Mary of Carmen Society is calling for Mayor Fuller to immediately restore the historic procession route on Adams Street and to publicly apologize for the consternation it has caused many in the Nonantum community.
The Italian American Alliance (IAA), an Italian American organization of over 8000 members dedicated to the maintenance and sharing of Italian culture strongly urge, Newton Mayor Fuller to reconsider her decision.
In support of the Italian American Alliance, an IADL board member wrote to Mayor Fuller and received a response. The mayor wrote:
Thanks for reaching out. Like you, I value the Italian heritage and traditions in Nonantum. Staff and the St. Mary of Carmen Festa volunteers debriefed this spring regarding any changes needed. We came to an understanding that State/Federal regulations require that yellow center lines be on Adams Street for safety reasons due to its traffic volume and width. (By the way, Adams Street is in the top 5 in Newton for crashes ....)
We worked with the Festa volunteers so that the city would paint the center lines yellow and their volunteers are able to repaint the Italian flag-colored lines next to these yellow lines. (This was included in the Festa permit - no surprises on the yellow center lines being done .... The only thing we didn't know is the exact date of the line painting as we are subject to both weather and the availability of the long line paint contractor.) fyi: All long line painting all year long in the City of Newton is done overnight; that's customary.
I'm confident that we can have both the yellow safety lines and lift up our Italian roots with green/white/red lines as well. We welcome the Festa volunteers to repaint the green/white/red next to the yellow center lines. (The volunteers have been doing this annually for decades, usually the week before Festa.)
Days later, the Italian American Alliance was informed that federal law required the city to paint the double yellow line in the center of the road. However, the IAA claims city officials fudged numbers to justify destroying 90 years of history in Nonantum and community members claim bias. An IAA press release states the following:
A city issued report on traffic volume used to justify the elimination of Nonantum historic cultural Italian street lines, has been found to have used erroneous numbers. The mayor has used a city issued report showing that 6002 vehicles drive Adams Street per day and cited a federal regulation that requires any street over 6000 requires a double yellow line. Residents suspicious of the traffic reports claim of being 2 vehicles over the threshold, reviewed the supporting back up data and discovered that only 4688 cars per day drive the road.
IAA asks you to contact city leaders to demand accountability and end to bias at city hall: Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s email: rfuller@newtonma.gov and City Council at citycouncil@newtonma.gov.
Max Corvo Docudrama Viewing at OSDIA Derby on Friday, August 22
Bill Corvo, the son of Max Corvo who worked for the OSS (precursor to CIA) during WW2, will present a showing of a docudrama about Max's life. The film is 90 minutes with Questions and Answers to follow. IADL will provide light refreshments with the film beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025. WTNH News 8 tells the story of the Sicilian from Middletown in this 2015 interview and you can watch the trailer of Max Corvo for Freedom: The Secret War of OSS in Italy 1943-1945 here on filmfreeway.com or YouTube. The second two links are from the producer of the film. RSVP by emailing Matt at iadlnow@yahoo.com or texting (860) 552-9597. Include your name and how many attendees. Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s Derby, Connecticut lodge is located at 73 High Street Derby, Connecticut 06418.
Italian Heritage News
NIAF Board of Directors Receives Historic Private Audience with Pope Leo XIV During Mission to Italy
NIAF is the first Italian American organization to be granted a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, who is the first Italian American to serve as Pope.
NIAF Board of Directors Received by Italian President Sergio Mattarella at Quirinale Palace
During the meeting, President Mattarella recognized the vital role of the Italian American community in strengthening the deep and enduring bond between the United States and Italy.
Opening hours as Christopher Columbus' flagship replica docks at Southend Pier
Columbus' four-masted nao was one of the most significant and influential ship designs in history in 1492, capable of coping with heavy winds and waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Inside a Colorado district’s debate about what gets taught in fourth grade social studies
Barb Evanson, the District 51 board member who was most vocal in her opposition, said in an interview that she felt the curriculum wrongly portrayed Columbus as solely responsible for harm to indigenous people in the Americas. “Were there people that were doing bad things? Were there people that were absolutely there with ill intention? Absolutely,” she said. “Was it Christopher Columbus? No.”
Mets set to sign Italian teenager Matteo Marelli in franchise first
The 19-year-old Marelli is set to become the first European amateur signing in Mets history. He and the Mets will make their agreement official at a small ceremony Saturday in Rovigo, Italy.
Italy marks 100 years since death of Pier Giorgio Frassati as canonization nears
Frassati’s body was found to be incorrupt or preserved from the natural process of decay after death. According to Catholic tradition, incorruptible saints give witness to the truth of the resurrection of the body and the life that is to come.
Gas station explosion in Rome injures dozens of people: "I felt my skin burning"
The explosion was heard across the Italian capital shortly after 8 a.m. local time and sent a huge cloud of dark smoke and fire that was visible from across the city.
Upcoming Events
Now – September 11, 2025 - Italian Language Classes Online
Sign up now for online Italian language classes at the Italian Center. Session 1 is from June 16 -July 24. Session 2 is from August 4 to September 11. Each session costs $215. For more information go to the Italian Center’s website here.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 – Italian-American Defense League Board Meeting
Calling on all members! Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.
August 13, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Yard Goats Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night at the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball game hosted by Hartford UNICO. Tickets are $17.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
Adams Street in Newton, Massachusetts had Italian flag tricolors - red, white, and green.
IADL Newsletter
June 29, 2025 – Next Steps for Connecticut Council of American Italian Organizations
The Italian-American Defense League continues to take the lead in advocating for the creation of the Italian American Heritage Commission in Connecticut. Five current or former presidents of Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America lodges signed on to join the Connecticut Council of American Italian Organizations at their state convention yesterday. The Connecticut Council is an association of liaisons to heritage organizations who agree to work on shared objectives. Last year we were successful in advocating for Columbus Day to be maintained in Connecticut. During the next legislation, we need to gain wider support for our next initiative. The following is the start to a letter that you can share with officers of organizations to become liaisons to Connecticut Council. You can 1. Fill out the form, print, scan, and email it to IADL; or print, fill out the form, and mail it to: Italian-American Defense League, 23 Lochbourne Drive, Clinton, CT 06413.
Connecticut Senator Ryan Fazio (36th Senate District) and Representative Chris Aniskovich (35th House District) introduced Proposed Bill No. 1162 during the past legislative session, "An Act Establishing the Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission," to the General Assembly. The bill, referred to the Committee on Commerce, proposes "to establish a Connecticut Italian-American Heritage Commission to preserve and promote Italian and Italian American heritage, including, but not limited to, by developing cultural and educational programs, and preserving certain cultural and historical sites in the state.” Click here for the full letter.
Is the creation of an Italian-American Heritage Commission in Connecticut only a dream The same Commerce Committee introduced a similar bill calling for the creation of a Puerto Rico Trade Commission. That bill became law during the last legislative session. Below is the text of the original bill. When writing the Italian-American Heritage Commission for the next legislative session, it would be wise to add a clause stating the goal of promoting business exchanges. We had four co-sponsors of our bill; the Puerto Rico bill had 17 co-sponsors. If the idea began as a dream, together we can make it a reality. A phone call to a local state senator or representative is much more meaningful than an email. We thank Senator Paul Cicarella of the 34th, Representative Chris Aniskovich of the 35th, Senator Ryan Fazio of the 36th, and Representative Michael "MJ" Shannon of the 117th district for co-sponsoring the bill.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: That the general statutes be amended to establish a Connecticut Puerto Rico Trade Commission to advance bilateral trade and investment between the state and Puerto Rico, initiate joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to the state and Puerto Rico, promote business and academic exchanges between the state and Puerto Rico, encourage mutual economic support between the state and Puerto Rico, encourage mutual investment in the infrastructure of the state and Puerto Rico, and address such other related matters as determined by the commission.
UConn Has to Close a $134M deficit. Staff Could Be Cut and Italian Studies May Be on the Chopping Block
Andrea Celli, associate professor of Italian and Mediterranean studies, said morale at the university has declined over the years with cuts that have included programs and classes and impacted graduate programs. He said class sizes have also increased, which has not helped students. “Students will have less opportunities to be exposed to more advanced levels of instruction and of course less of an ability for an instructor to create direct relationships with individual students,” he said. He added that UConn currently does not have money to support graduate students in extracurricular activities this summer. Further, he is most concerned that careers in science and highly trained careers will be more limited in the future. Read the full Hartford Courant article here. In cases such as this when Italian studies and language classes may be slashed, an Italian-American Heritage Commission could give the crucial recommendation to save the programs.
Brief History of New London, Connecticut’s Columbus Monument
The Columbus statue in New London, Connecticut, was erected on October 12, 1928, and was made by Armand Battelli, an Italian-born artist and sculptor. It was a gift from the city’s Italian American community to honor their culture and the explorer Christopher Columbus. In contrast to the 1927 controversial trial and execution of Sacco and Vanzetti, the day the Columbus monument was revealed in 1928, there was a big celebration with a parade, speeches, music, and many people from the city, including students and local leaders. It was a day of civic pride for Italians during a decade of xenophobia and prejudice. The new statue was placed at Columbus Circle, at the top of Bank Street near the harbor, and for many years, it was the center of Columbus Day events. But in June 2020, during nationwide protests and riots about history and racism, Mayor Michael Passero had the statue taken down to prevent it from being damaged. Some people from the city agreed with the removal, saying Columbus should not be honored, while others, especially Italian Americans, felt their heritage American history was being disrespected and erased. Currently, the statue is still in storage, and the city has not announced a decision about what to do with it.
Italian Heritage News
- Order Sons and Daughters of Italy (OSDIA) Grand Lodge Donates $4,000 to Make-A-Wish Connecticut
- UNICO Waterbury Pledges $500 to Rochambeau Memorial Project
- Haddam, CT Italian restaurant closed until further notice after car crashes into building
- Italiana: Italian Women Who Changed the World – Art Exhibition in NYC
- Nick Eyde: The visionary behind the Italian Bowl’s American (Football) Dream
- XLIV Italian Bowl: Florence Guelfi 49, Ancona Dolphins 14
- Italian community reacts after crews removed green, white, and red center lines in Newton, MA
- Italy, Land of Song: Birds in Italy Are Easy to Hear but Difficult to See
- Italian navy taps Fincantieri to top up patrol fleet with two ships
- Interview with Mark Hehl, presenter at CT OSDIA’s State Convention. “I grew up with a foot in two worlds. At home, my mother maintained many rich Sicilian traditions. In school, and on the streets of Brooklyn, I was American. “
Upcoming Events
Now – September 11, 2025 - Italian Language Classes Online
Sign up now for online Italian language classes at the Italian Center. Session 1 is from June 16 -July 24. Session 2 is from August 4 to September 11. Each session costs $215. For more information go to the Italian Center’s website here.
August 13, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Yard Goats Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night at the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball game hosted by Hartford UNICO. Tickets are $17.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
IADL Newsletter
June 22, 2025 – Portray Italians Positively & Anti-Defamation
Welcome Michael Nappo, our newest IADL Member, and Michael Pace, our latest newsletter subscriber!
The Italian-American Defense League continues to advocate for the positive portrayal of Italian Americans and the preservation of Italian American heritage. IADL sent follow up letters to Cinemark and M&T Bank for anti-Italian actions. We asked Cinemark to stop running an advertisement portraying Italians as buffoons and gangsters. We asked M&T Bank to add Columbus Day to its bank holiday calendar. Below are the first paragraphs and links to each of the letters.
On behalf of the Italian-American Defense League, a proud member of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO), we write to express our strongest condemnation of your recent “Cinemark: Movie Club Program (Loyalty)” advertisement (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0A2I7eakTQ), which features an insulting and degrading caricature of Italian Americans. Click here for the full letter.
We write as a formal follow-up to the op-ed we submitted in October 2023 concerning M&T Bank’s public messaging on Columbus Day, which conveyed disregard toward Italian‑American heritage by listing Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day on signage at Connecticut bank locations. More recently, we noted that M&T Bank’s official holiday calendar now recognizes “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” on the second Monday of October, omitting Columbus Day entirely. Click here for the full letter.
Columbus Day Saved in Massachusetts . . . Again!
In Massachusetts, the Italian American Alliance organized to defeat a bill that would have changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the entire state, which has become an annual battle. Tommy Damigella, IAA VP, has formed a partnership with NAGA (Native American Guardians Association), a national organization representing Indigenous voices that support Columbus Day. Damigella shared this joint NAGA/IAA letter in favor of Columbus Day when testifying before the Massachusetts's legislature.
This is the video from the hearing. Listen to the following speakers:
State Rep. Jeff Turco at: 35:30
State Rep. John Marsi: 48:35
Marissa Babin, Member IAA: 2:39:35
Tommy Damigella, VP IAA: 2:46:10
Ginny Gardner, IAA National Chapter, Chairman: 2:59:42
Eunice Davidson, NAGA: 3:43:05
Call to Action for Indigenous Peoples’ Day to Be Recognized on August 9 in Massachusetts
We urge you to write in support of H3419. To make August 9th, Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Written testimony can be submitted. The emails for the committee are below:
svetlana.yefimenko@mahouse.gov, riley.nichols@masenate.gov,Nick.Collins@masenate.gov, James.Eldridge@masenate.gov,Antonio.Cabral@mahouse.gov,Chynah.Tyler@mahouse.gov Sal.DiDomenico@masenate.gov,Becca.Rausch@masenate.gov,john.velis@masenate.gov
peter.durant@masenate.gov,Estela.Reyes@mahouse.gov,Jennifer.Armini@mahouse.gov
Dennis.Gallagher@mahouse.gov,Leigh.Davis@mahouse.gov,carmine.gentile@mahouse.gov
Hannah.Bowen@mahouse.gov,Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov,Hannah.Kane@mahouse.gov
Italian Heritage News
- Documentary uses Sicilians in Middletown's 'touching' experiences to share immigrants' story
- Italian Heritage Project Documentary on YouTube
- PANTHERS WIN SECOND STANLEY CUP UNDER OWNER VINCENT VIOLA
- Italy in Buffalo, upstate New York, with Danielle Salasavage
- Work on new Italian American center begins soon in Iowa
- Jannik Sinner releases unexpected single with Italian vocal legend Andrea Bocelli
- Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez rent out entire Italian island for lavish six-day wedding
- Italian Man, 80, Drives Down Rome's Spanish Steps; Has Car Removed From Historic Monument by Crane
- A Young Italian Designer Reimagines Her Childhood Home, a Brutalist Concrete Wonder
- Visitors Break Crystal Chair in Sit-and-Run at Italian Museum
- The new American dream? Buying and renting out vacation homes in Italy
Upcoming Events
Now – September 11, 2025 - Italian Language Classes Online
Sign up now for online Italian language classes at the Italian Center. Session 1 is from June 16 -July 24. Session 2 is from August 4 to September 11. Each session costs $215. For more information go to the Italian Center’s website here.
June 24, 2025– Native American and Italian American Solidarity Session
Join the Native American Guardian’s Association and the Italian American One Voice Coalition for this free event, “Bridging Cultures Against Cancel Culture,” on ZOOM at 8PM. Pre-registration is required at this link.
June 28, 2025– Grand Lodge OSDIA Connecticut State Convention
Matthew Guarnieri, IADL president, will have the honor to present at the Order Sons and Daughter of Italy in American State Convention in Derby, CT.
August 13, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Yard Goats Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night at the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball game hosted by Hartford UNICO. Tickets are $17.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
IADL Newsletter
June 15, 2025 – Italian Organizations United
Welcome Jacqueline Caperino, our newest IADL Member!
In just a few years, COPOMIAO’s membership has increased to 76 organizations. It is an honor for IADL to be a member, and new voices are emerging nationally. U.S. Congressman Michael Rulli of Ohio, who co-chairs the Italian American Congressional Delegation, delivered the keynote address at the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations' Annual Summit on June 7, 2025, held at the Italian American Museum in New York City's Little Italy. Rulli pledged his support to reestablish dual citizenship eligibility for millions of Italian Americans, and to fight for Columbus Day on the federal level. But most importantly, Rulli set a goal to change the Italian American Caucus in Congress from being a social group to a bipartisan group working on collaborative objectives affecting Italian Americans. That not only includes Italian dual citizenship issues but celebrating Columbus Day and restoring Columbus monuments. He is also collaborating with co-sponsors of a bill that will initiate the beginning steps of creating an Italian American Museum in Washington, D.C. Read more about Rulli's speech here.
Actor and Producer Chazz Palminteri was a surprise guest at the meeting. He encouraged the presidents of our Italian American organizations to keep fighting for our history and heritage. He told stories of walking into Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office in 2020 and vowing that the Columbus monument in Columbus Circle would only be removed, “Over my dead body!” And despite every agent advising him to distance him from Columbus, Palminteri still narrated Courage and Conviction: The True Story of Christopher Columbus, which was produced by Knights of Columbus. You can watch it here on YouTube. Palminteri, knowing the anti-defamation aspect of our mission, vows that A Bronx Tale is mischaracterized as a gangster movie, and that it is really a movie about family and a hard-working father.
A Father’s Day Thought
I opened my wallet today, and what I found was worth more than the money that belonged there. Unexpectedly, I found a clipping from the Knights of Columbus magazine by the Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly. The words described a magnanimous father who exhibits generosity, forgiveness, and nobility of spirit; the type of man needed in America today. The following italicized words are what I read: When a magnanimous father demonstrates a generous spirit and speaks well of others, his children take notice. He encourages his children, praising them for their accomplishments and gently correcting them when they need it. He measures his words carefully, for a father’s words of sincere praise are far more fruitful than words of criticism. The magnanimous father also sees the great potential in his children. He encourages them to go beyond their comfort zones and to achieve things they may not think possible. He builds their confidence by calling attention to the gifts they have been given. He prays aloud with them and gives them a sense that they, too, have been called by God to greatness – and that they are ultimately called to be saints. Perhaps most importantly, a father passes on the virtue of magnanimity to his children by loving their mother in thought, word, and deed each day. That can take many forms, but it includes being lavish in our praise, quick to forgiveness and first to apologize. Happy Father’s Day.
A Decade of Success in American Film - Esther Cunico Minciotti
During the late 1940’s to 1950’s, Esther Cunico Minciotti, an Italian born actress, appeared on Broadway and worked on 8 American films. Most famously, she worked side-by-side with Henry Fonda on a production directed by Alfred Hitchcock called The Wrong Man (1956). She also appeared on several television shows during the fifties. Her films have great reviews on rotten Tomatoes which you can read here. You can watch the full movie, called The Undercover Man (1949) in her role as Maria Rocco on YouTube.
Italian Heritage News
Nevada Governor Joseph Lombardo vetoed Bill Draft Request 19-7 - a provision which would have led to the formal recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day on Columbus Day.
Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) is in full support of recognizing our Native American friends. Like the IADL and COPOMIAO, they do not believe that recognition should come at the expense of the Italian American community. The CSJ wrote to Governor Lombardo to thank him for his support for the Italian American community and for vetoing this proposal. Since 1979, the CSJ has been at the forefront of the fight against anti-Italian discrimination, and the support of our elected officials is crucial to continue our mission. Read CSJ President Robert M. Ferrito’s letter at this link.
Bridging Cultures Against Cancel Culture featuring Jason Buck, Super Bowl Champion
Italian American One Voice Coalition and Native American Guardian’s Association were pleased to have Jason Buck, Defensive End for Super Bowl XXVI World Champion Washington Redskins and Associate Board Member of NAGA, on the May Solidarity Session speaking about heritage and cancel culture. Here is the video link to view the event. And don’t forget to SAVE THE DATE for the June Solidarity Session - June 24, 2025 at 8 PM EDT. Register online here.
Upcoming Events
Now - June 19, 2025 – Film at the Lincoln Center – New York, NY
We are happy to share with you the good news that the Film at Lincoln Center offers our members the opportunity to receive a special discount code to Open Roads: New Italian Cinema and Monica Vitti: La Modernista series. From Thursday, May 29 to June 5, Film at Lincoln Center and Cinecittà present the 24th edition of Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, ranging from works by acclaimed directors returning to Open Roads, to notable debuts by new filmmakers, with 14 filmmakers in person for Q&As. Open Roads from June 6–19, FLC and Cinecittà are excited to present Monica Vitti: La Modernista, a special career-spanning tribute to the actress who helped define one of the greatest periods in Italian and world cinema. Tickets are available for the general public at $17 and students at $14.
June 16 – September 11, 2025 - Italian Language Classes Online
Sign up now for online Italian language classes at the Italian Center. Session 1 is from June 16 -July 24. Session 2 is from August 4 to September 11. Each session costs $215. For more information go to the Italian Center’s website here.
June 18, 2025– Icons of Italy: Celebrating Legends of Arts, Culture, and Sport
Join Fabiana Papaleoni for a fascinating seminar exploring some of the most cherished figures in Italian arts, culture, and sports throughout the centuries. From Dante to Roberto Benigni to Giovanni Falcone, we will dive into their lives, talents, work, and lasting legacies through interviews, images, and videos. Fabiana Papaleoni is an Italian teacher and tutor. She grew up in Italy, where she earned a degree in Italian Language and Literature from the Università di Lettere e Filosofia in Parma, and also pursued violin performance and music studies at the Conservatorio di Musica “Arrigo Boito.” She currently works as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven and runs her own teaching platform, Ciao Italian Lessons, where she offers courses, classes, and seminars in Italian and Latin. Since 2019, she has lived in Guilford with her husband and their four children. In her free time, she enjoys running and spending time with family and friends. Register here.
June 28, 2025– Grand Lodge OSDIA Connecticut State Convention
Matthew Guarnieri, IADL president, will have the honor to present at the Order Sons and Daughter of Italy in American State Convention in Derby, CT.
August 13, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Yard Goats Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night at the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball game hosted by Hartford UNICO. Tickets are $17.
October 11, 2025– Save the Date – Hartford Athletics Soccer Club Italian Night
Contact the IADL to attend Italian night, the last night of the Hartford Athletics soccer season hosted by Hartford UNICO.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
U.S. Congressman Michael Rulli of Ohio
IADL Newsletter
June 8, 2025 – Calling for Volunteers
Welcome Matthew Castner, our newest IADL member!
Yesterday I had the opportunity to represent the Italian-American Defense League at the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations’ annual meeting in Lower Manhattan at New York’s Italian American Museum. Currently, 77 organizations are associated under the umbrella of COPOMIAO’s leadership, making it the largest Italian American organization. We covered many topics including the new Italian law that restricts Italian Americans from applying for dual citizenship, efforts to preserve Columbus statues and Columbus Day across the United States, the steps being taken to create a National Italian American Museum in Washington D.C., the Italian American Future Leaders conference, solidarity sessions, and building support for creating Italian Heritage Commissions state by state.
IADL needs your help! We welcome young people 21-35 to contact us if they are interested in attending the next future leaders conference which happens in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in January. We also are seeking volunteers to focus on the creation of an Italian Heritage Commission in Connecticut. During the legislative session that just ended, we took a major step with Sen. Ryan Fazio, 36th Dist., Rep. Chris Aniskovich, 35th Dist., Rep. Michael "MJ" Shannon, 117th Dist., and Sen. Paul Cicarella, 34th Dist. cosponsoring the bill. We can begin by sending them a thank you letter and reaching out for broader support. Lastly, if you are interested in the portrayal of people of Italian descent in the media, we need volunteers to focus on the positive portrayal of Italians. IADL welcomes your passion and talent!
The commitment of IADL’s board of directors and liaisons to other organizations who met at our Connecticut Council of American Italian Organizations were instrumental in maintaining Columbus Day as a state holiday during the past legislative session. Columbus not only brought two worlds together, but he is the conduit to recognizing Italian heritage in the United States. We are part of our nation’s founding story.
Italian Heritage News
Video. Italy marks Republic Day with military parade in Rome: Thousands of Italian troops and civil servants paraded through central Rome on Monday to mark the 79th anniversary of the country becoming a republic.
Now read more headlines.
- Sinner, Musetti & the acceleration of tennis’ Italian renaissance
- Jackie Evancho & Andrea Bocelli Harmonizing Opera in Italian Is Almost Too Perfect
- Pope Leo Celebrates Italian American Immigrants
- Owners of Avella’s and Melilli’s Italian market in Middletown parting ways, opening new eateries
- Amici Club Trip to the Italian American Museum/Little Italy in NYC
- Two Massachusetts Legislators Want to Nix Columbus; Two Offer Another Idea
Upcoming Events
Now - June 19, 2025 – Film at the Lincoln Center – New York, NY
We are happy to share with you the good news that the Film at Lincoln Center offers our members the opportunity to receive a special discount code to Open Roads: New Italian Cinema and Monica Vitti: La Modernista series. From Thursday, May 29 to June 5, Film at Lincoln Center and Cinecittà present the 24th edition of Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, ranging from works by acclaimed directors returning to Open Roads, to notable debuts by new filmmakers, with 14 filmmakers in person for Q&As. Open Roads from June 6–19, FLC and Cinecittà are excited to present Monica Vitti: La Modernista, a special career-spanning tribute to the actress who helped define one of the greatest periods in Italian and world cinema. Tickets are available for the general public at $17 and students at $14.
June 18, 2025– Icons of Italy: Celebrating Legends of Arts, Culture, and Sport
Join Fabiana Papaleoni for a fascinating seminar exploring some of the most cherished figures in Italian arts, culture, and sports throughout the centuries. From Dante to Roberto Benigni to Giovanni Falcone, we will dive into their lives, talents, work, and lasting legacies through interviews, images, and videos. Fabiana Papaleoni is an Italian teacher and tutor. She grew up in Italy, where she earned a degree in Italian Language and Literature from the Università di Lettere e Filosofia in Parma, and also pursued violin performance and music studies at the Conservatorio di Musica “Arrigo Boito.” She currently works as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven and runs her own teaching platform, Ciao Italian Lessons, where she offers courses, classes, and seminars in Italian and Latin. Since 2019, she has lived in Guilford with her husband and their four children. In her free time, she enjoys running and spending time with family and friends. Register here.
October 12, 2025– Save the Date – Bridgeport's Annual 117th Columbus Day Parade
Be part of one of the oldest parades in Connecticut. Hope to see you there! For more information contact Joan Palaia, Asst Parade Chairman at 203-551-1519 or palaialand@gmail.com. Or visit the website at www.ciasgbpt.com.
October 13, 2025– Save the Date – Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Join members of the Italian-American Defense League as we honor Christopher Columbus and our ancestors who dedicated a statue to him at Wooster Square in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme this year is “Let’s bring people together.”
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
IADL Newsletter
June 1, 2025 – Buffoonery & Bringing Two Worlds Together
Welcome James Andreano, our newest IADL member!
Recently an IADL member’s experience at the movies wasn’t what was expected. Before the film began, Cinemark, one of the largest theatre chains in the United States with three locations in Connecticut, ran an advertisement for its movie rewards program. To our member’s dismay, the advertisement portrays Italian American males as gangsters and buffoons. Should we accept this negative stereotype that Hollywood and the media continues to propagate generation after generation? Have you seen the ad? If not, watch it on YouTube and let us know your reaction.
Have you ever read a Columbus Day meme on social media that states Christopher Columbus was lost, even though he navigated by the stars and made the voyage four times? The most famous Italian male in history is often portrayed as a buffoon, probably by someone who needs a GPS to navigate across town. The point here is that both examples show an attack on Italian masculinity, including the ultimate patriarchal figure.
According to researcher Louis Gesualdi, “In rebuttal of the buffoon stereotype, the 1990 and 1980 US census and books such as Italian Americans into the Twilight of Ethnicity (1985) by Richard Alba and Italian Americans (1970) by Joseph Lopreato provide data demonstrating that since the 1960s, Italian Americans have experienced high levels of occupational and educational achievements. Moreover, starting in the 1960s, the average household income of Italian Americans has been well above the US average. Since the 1970s, the percentage of Italian Americans who have graduated from college has been well above the national average. These statistics also counter the related stereotypes that Italian American men are violent and uneducated and that Italian American women are overweight and spend most of their time cooking pasta and other ‘Italian’ foods or are elderly grandmothers.”
Italian Heritage News
On Thursday night, Mark One Wolf Yancy, a board member of Native American Guardian’s Association, was the keynote speaker at Italian American Alliance’s annual meeting in Watertown, MA. Yancy’s message was characterized by unity, with people of Italian and American Indian descent collaborating to fight cancel culture. He advocates for maintaining the celebration of Columbus Day, while also keeping Native American imagery in schools and sports. Watch IADL’s social media post on X to hear how Yancy believes that Columbus should be celebrated as the man who brought two worlds together, and to honor the most significant event in human history when American Indians met Europeans, we should stand together on Columbus Day.
Now read this week’s headlines.
- The Quick Appetizer Giada De Laurentiis Always Makes In A Pinch
- Italian brainrot: Do not read this article if you are over six. You won’t get it
- Chefs bring taste of Tucson to Italian Republic Day dinner in Boston
- Italian festival of the snake-catchers revealed in colourful photos
- This Italian Region Is a Trending Destination This Summer—and It Has 311 Miles of Gorgeous Coastline and Turquoise Waters
- Italy’s exodus of young talent worsens population squeeze
- Rule Change Hits Americans Seeking Italian Citizenship: 'Real Gut Punch'
- Christopher Columbus Replica Flagship Sets Sail in London
Upcoming Events
May 29 - June 19, 2025 – Film at the Lincoln Center – New York, NY
We are happy to share with you the good news that the Film at Lincoln Center offers our members the opportunity to receive a special discount code to Open Roads: New Italian Cinema and Monica Vitti: La Modernista series. From Thursday, May 29 to June 5, Film at Lincoln Center and Cinecittà present the 24th edition of Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, ranging from works by acclaimed directors returning to Open Roads, to notable debuts by new filmmakers, with 14 filmmakers in person for Q&As. Following Open Roads from June 6–19, FLC and Cinecittà are excited to present Monica Vitti: La Modernista, a special career-spanning tribute to the actress who helped define one of the greatest periods in Italian and world cinema. Tickets are available for the General Public at $17, and Students at $14.
June 5, 2025 – Saints, Symbols, & Spaghetti – East Haven, CT
At the East Haven Italian American Club, enjoy dinner at 5:30 followed by a live webinar. Dr. Rocky Ruggiero will explore Italian art in an engaging and entertaining lecture. Call Sue Ianniello at (203) 218-9568 for tickets ($55) and more information.
June 7, 2025 – COPOMIAO Annual Meeting – New York, NY
IADL will represent our members in a conference of 77 Italian heritage organizations. At no time in history have more Italian organizations been unified at one gathering!
June 18, 2025– Icons of Italy: Celebrating Legends of Arts, Culture, and Sport
Join Fabiana Papaleoni for a fascinating seminar exploring some of the most cherished figures in Italian arts, culture, and sports throughout the centuries. From Dante to Roberto Benigni to Giovanni Falcone, we will dive into their lives, talents, work, and lasting legacies through interviews, images, and videos. Fabiana Papaleoni is an Italian teacher and tutor. She grew up in Italy, where she earned a degree in Italian Language and Literature from the Università di Lettere e Filosofia in Parma, and also pursued violin performance and music studies at the Conservatorio di Musica “Arrigo Boito.” She currently works as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven and runs her own teaching platform, Ciao Italian Lessons, where she offers courses, classes, and seminars in Italian and Latin. Since 2019, she has lived in Guilford with her husband and their four children. In her free time, she enjoys running and spending time with family and friends. Register here.
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
IADL Newsletter
May 25, 2025 – First Columbus Statues, Now Real People
One of Chicago’s three Christopher Columbus statues will be relocated to an Italian American museum instead of returning to Arrigo Park. Leaders of the Joint Civic Committe of Italian Americans, representing more than 50 organizations, negotiated a deal to take and relocate the Columbus statue that was removed in 2020. The two other statues remain in storage. Paul Basile of Fra Noi magazine is calling the outcome a miracle after five years of legal battles, politics, and activism in a city of one-party rule that leans to far-left extremes that are anti-Christopher Columbus. Did JCCIA President Ron Onesti and attorneys Enrico Mirabelli, Frank Sommario and Anthony Onesto make the best of an unreasonable situation, or did they surrender to the political machine that runs the city? Many are irked that the negotiations happened behind closed doors, and others are dissatisfied that the remaining two statues will not be returned to public space. Onesti believes that the battle will continue with future administrations. Read Fra Noi’s article here. One last thought, coincidentally this announcement was made during the same week as Mayor Justin Elicker’s press release that New Haven’s Columbus statue would be leased to a museum on Hamilton Street.
The far-left political environment in Chicago that tears down American icons and monuments shows how a well-educated political activist can become an extremist. In a newsletter earlier this year, I wrote about how Luigi Mangione, CEO killer, came of age in Baltimore where the Antifa extremist propaganda and presence are strong. Antifa rioters threw Baltimore’s Columbus statue into the harbor in 2020. Similarly, Chicago terrorist Elias Rodriguez has a history of involvement with anti-American protests, and now has been arrested for the assassination of two Israeli embassy diplomats outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The FBI reported that Rodriguez attended protests organized by the left-wing Party for Socialism and Liberation, and he wrote a 900-page manifesto justifying “armed action” within the United States to “Free Palestine.” Read more about the killer’s past here. According to the New York Post, Rodriguez praised Mangione on social media, further illustrating his radicalism. Even more infuriating is the discovery of how close extremists like Rodriguez are to high-ranking members of the Democrat political party. Rodriguez’s father was a guest of Chicago's Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García at President Donald Trump’s Joint Speech to Congress. Connecting back to Onesti’s negotiations with the City of Chicago, maybe his outcome for the former Arrigo Park Columbus statue is a miracle. First Chicago radicals targeted Columbus monuments, and now they are literally targeting real people. If law enforcement only stopped them in 2020, would we be here today?
Italian Heritage News
The number of soldiers of Italian descent in the US Armed Forces during WWII are estimated to be 1.5 million. During the war, up to 3 percent of the world’s population were killed. From North Africa to the Italian campaign, from the beaches of Normandy to Berlin, and to the Pacific, people of Italian descent saved the world. Read these hero's stories in detail here. In addition, here is a list of Italian-American Medal of Honor recipients. As we remember fallen heroes of long ago and today, have a meaningful Memorial Day!
- Crypto Investor Allegedly Tortured Captive Italian Businessman with a Chainsaw for Weeks in Luxe NYC Pad in Sadistic Scheme to Gain Password
- “We the Italians” Online Magazine: 127 Pages of Current Events, Travel, History, and Culture
- Napoli Edges Out Inter Milan to Win 4th Serie A Title
- Italian Guard Dame Sarr Commits to Duke Men's Basketball
- Italian Court Grants Parental Rights to Same-Sex Couples Who Use IVF Abroad
- Italy Tightens Rules for Italian Descendants to Become Citizens
- NYPD ‘Italian Sherlock Holmes’ Detective to Get Gravestone Century After Death
Upcoming Events
May 28, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford, CT
Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! We will discuss the City of New Haven’s brief to the Federal Appeals Court, brainstorm next steps, and plan for 2025’s Italian Unity Dinner. Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.
May 29, 2025 – Italian American Alliance Annual Meeting – Watertown, MA
IADL will be present at this meeting. IAA believes that all cultures are an integral part of America and deserve equal respect. Our Italian heritage, history, language, and culture are no exception. We affirm that Christopher Columbus is not only an historic Italian figure but a key figure in American and world history during the Age of Discovery. Any movement to erase our heritage—or any heritage—is an affront to our shared American ideals. Our answer is to educate, to inform, and to stand firm in the truth and value of our culture. Our agenda features a guest speaker: Mark OneWolf Yancey of the Native American Guardian’s Association.
June 7, 2025 – COPOMAIO Annual Meeting – New York, NY
IADL will represent our members in a conference of 77 Italian heritage organizations. At no time in history have more Italian organizations been unified at one gathering!
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
The Christopher Columbus monument that was removed from Arrigo park will be relocated to a museum.
IADL Newsletter
May 18, 2025 – Elicker and DeLauro “Columbus for Sale”
Welcome Joshua Lavender, our newest IADL member!
In October 2024, Italian-American Defense League learned Mayor Justin Elicker held closed door meetings at the “Lost in New Haven” museum to convince invitees to support his scheme to place the Christopher Columbus statue that once stood in Wooster Square into private hands. A year earlier in a personal conversation, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro admitted that she planned to put the statue in a museum. DeLauro and Elicker’s plan has been in the works for several years. Why did the duo disrespect the public again? What do we know about “Lost in New Haven?”
According to the New Haven Independent, an Art Loan Agreement was signed by Robert S. Greenberg and Justin Elicker leasing the statue “Lost in New Haven” for zero dollars. In return, the museum must preserve, care for, and insure the statue, with an appraised value of $80,000. Click here to read the full loan agreement. Greenberg, executive director of the museum, reported $10,550 of compensation in 2021 and $37,750 in 2022 as the frontman at the museum.
Laura Clarke, Steven Jacobs, esq, and Roslyn Meyer are listed as five hour per week officers of the museum. Here is a link to the current board as listed on the museum’s website: President ROSYLN MEYER, Treasurer JEFFREY KLAUS, Secretary JAMES FARNAM, and DIRECTORS DAISY ABREU, LINDY LEE GOLD, LAURA CLARKE, STEVEN JACOBS, MARCELLA MONK FLAKE, ALEXIS GAGE, ELIHU RUBIN, WILLIAM GINSBERG, MAGGIE MOFFETT, and KELLY WUZZARDO. This group consists of a high-powered attorney, political insiders, and the Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit that gave Lost in New Haven its largest grant, William Ginsberg. And where are all the Italians?
Reported contributions are $312,215 in 2021 and $621,161 in 2022. Another $110,000 of noncash donations were reported in 2022. Total assets in 2022 are reported as $1,429,731, which is quite amazing for a museum that is open by appointment only. The top three grants received are by Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program, and the Koch Ellis Fund. Click here for more tax information about Lost in New Haven, EIN 87-1163998. If there is this much of a money trail exchanging hands surrounding the Columbus statue in New Haven, you are compelled to ask, “What other backroom deals are happening under Elicker and DeLauro’s watch?”
To understand the power and money behind destroying Columbus, refer to this New Haven Register article about Lost in New Haven president Roslyn Meyers, “As for the Meyers, on Monday morning the couple gave what Jerry Meyer described simply as ‘a very big gift,’ to the newly-minted Harris campaign, on top of the $50,000 that they gave to Biden in February. Still, while Rosyln Meyer said she and her husband were ‘enthusiastically,’ supporting Harris’ entrance into the race, they are keeping their options open should another candidate put their name forward.” For the Republicans who think Christopher Columbus isn’t a big enough issue, the Democrat money bags certainly do.
Following the saga of Wooster Square’s Columbus monument gives insight into power, money, and politics. The girl from Wooster Square representing the hardworking Italians of New Haven is long gone. DeLauro “stole” the Christopher Columbus statue from generations of Italians and gave it to the power players she truly represents. We can’t even say Columbus was for sale because there was a preselected buyer.
Italian Heritage News
City of New Haven Files Brief of the Defendants
In response to the Brief filed by Italian-American Defense League to return the Christopher Columbus statue to its plinth in New Haven, Mayor Justin Elicker and the City of New Haven filed its Brief to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. New Haven Attorney Earle Giovanniello made the same claim as before, “[The IADL’s] allegations simply describe general concerns common to many New Haven residents. As the Supreme Court held in Diamond v. Charles, 476 U.S. 54, 62 (1986), allegations of generalized harm is insufficient to establish standing. Being a ‘concerned bystander’ is not enough.” Now we must wait until our case is heard.
In this New Haven Register letter to the editor (scroll down), Dr. Al Fusco of UNICO and IADL, explains the importance of Columbus Day. Fusco wrote, “October 12th is the day in 1492 when Admiral Christopher Columbus first stepped off his flagship, the Santa Maria, onto the land of the New World and reunited the two parts of the world that didn’t know the other even existed. It has been called by sociologists and anthropologists the most significant event in the history of the human race.” Click on the link above for access to the letter in its entirety.
Upcoming Events
May 20, 2025 – Solidarity Session – ZOOM Video Conferencing
Please join Italian American One Voice Coalition, Native American Guardian’s Association, and IADL at the next Solidarity Session - Tuesday, May 20, 8 PM EDT. Our guest speaker will be Jason Buck, NAGA Associate Board Member, defensive end for Super Bowl XXVI World Champion Washington Redskins, a direct descendant of several Native American tribes. Registration is required - please go to www.thesolidaritysessions.com to register.
May 28, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford
Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
Justin Elicker and Rosa DeLauro
IADL Newsletter
May 11, 2025 - Columbus statue stolen from public view by Justin Elicker and Rosa DeLauro
Welcome new IADL member, Anthony Valanzola!
On Friday night, The New Haven Independent released this news article showing the hypocrisy of New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. The mayor states the significance of the city’s Columbus statue and the importance of finding an appropriate location, yet he and the Congresswoman are the biggest players in removing it from its location of 128 years. Total hypocrisy!
Elicker and DeLauro put what they think is the final nail in Christopher Columbus’ coffin. The City of New Haven announced a loan agreement with Robert S. Greenberg, the owner of Lost in New Haven, a new museum on Hamilton Street. Despite an ongoing appeal by the Italian-American Defense League to return the statue to its pedestal in Wooster Square, Elicker and DeLauro have thrown salt into a deep wound before allowing the legal process to play out.
The seed of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro’s political career was planted in Wooster Square, cultivated from the sacrifice and hard work of the very Italian immigrants who desired for Christopher Columbus to be honored in public view. They wanted the Columbus monument to be viewed for free, and now to add insult to injury, we’ll be required to pay. Now Rosa DeLauro has relegated Italian heritage to pizza and literally leased our culture to a private collector. Not only has DeLauro put the greatest symbol of our heritage behind closed doors, but she’s also destroyed her own legacy by surrendering to cancel culture.
The Columbus statue was paid for and dedicated by Italian immigrants in 1892 in response to discrimination and lynchings of Italians in New Orleans. On June 24, 2020, Mayor Justin Elicker ordered the removal of the statue with DeLauro’s blessing without a public hearing and input. Frank Carrano, former teacher union president, has also taken credit for the statue’s removal.
La Festa Della Mamma
The second Sunday of May is celebrated as Mother’s Day in Italy. Enjoy this poem by Edmondo De Amicis, called “If I Were a Painter.”
Se Fossi Pittore
Non sempre il tempo la beltà cancella
o la sfioran le lacrime e gli affanni:
mia madre ha sessant’anni,
e più la guardo e più mi sembra bella.
Time doesn’t always delete beauty
or tears and worries blemish it:
my mother is sixty years old,
and the more I look at her the more beautiful she seems.
Continue reading here, and happy Mother’s Day!
Italian Heritage News
A New Pope, A New Hope
American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who is now known as Pope Leo IV, has a mixed heritage that is 25% Italian. On his father’s side, Pope Leo is part French and Italian. Being the first American Pope, and spending much of his life doing missionary work in Peru, his experiences and heritage indicate that he is a Pope of the world. Catholics pray that Pope Leo will use his ability to speak French, Italian, Spanish, and English and Portuguese to communicate Catholic doctrine and evangelize spreading the gospel. Read more about the Pope who could be a great unifier.
Nonnas
A new movie on Netflix, called “Nonnas,” is gaining popularity among many people of Italian descent from our love of our Nonnas and Italian home cooking. The protagonist in the story opens an Italian restaurant with Nonnas as the chefs. The movie is based on the life of Joe Scaravella, owner of a restaurant on Staten Island. Read more in Entertainment Weekly.
Upcoming Events
May 28, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford
Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro!
IADL Newsletter
May 4, 2025 - Columbus Day “Back from the Ashes”
Welcome new IADL members: Robert Giasi and Mario Gaboury!
“I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes!” Although Columbus Day was never removed as a federal holiday, President Donald J. Trump’s social media post brought new life to an issue important to Italian Americans. To some, the resurrection of the pro-Columbus perspective is welcomed during this season of renewal, and to a few others, maintaining and expanding celebrations of Columbus is akin to giving life to the Frankenstein monster.
A flurry of media coverage followed the president’s post. On Connecticut’s WICC, Andre DiMino, Italian American One Voice Coalition president, expressed his excitement of President Trump’s support of separating Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Listen to Radio Host Paul Pacelli’s interview with DiMino. In Rhode Island, Democrat Joe Paolino talks about how the far left of his party hypocritically walked in every Columbus Day parade but then removed Providence’s statue. Since then, Joe Polisena, Jr. relocated the statue to Johnston, Rhode Island. Listen to Gene Valecenti’s radio segment here, which also includes Joe Polisena, Jr., his father, and Andre DiMino who made his radio rounds last week. Lastly, Vinnie Penn, the voice of New Haven Italians, chimed in with his analysis on WELI including criticism of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro’s abandonment of Columbus.
The Italian-American Defense League welcomes President Trump’s support of Columbus Day. With the Native American Guardian’s Association, we stand against cancel culture. Together we advocate for the continued recognition of Columbus Day on the second Monday of October and for Native Americans to be honored in November during Native American Heritage Month or on August 9th, known as “The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.” Columbus Day was first proclaimed as a national holiday in 1892 by President Benjamin Harrison after the lynchings of 11 innocent Italians in New Orleans. In 1934 Congress designated Columbus Day on October 12th, a national holiday, and in 1968 Congress officially made Columbus Day a federal holiday on the second Monday of October.
The first presidential proclamation for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Columbus Day was made by President Joseph Biden in 2021. President Biden included an apology to Native Americans in his Columbus Day proclamation. Italian American groups considered President Biden’s proclamation a slight to Italian-Americans, and the Biden administration worked with COPOMIAO to adjust the Columbus Day proclamation the following year. The United Nations first made its Indigenous Peoples’ Day declaration in 1977.
Italian Heritage News
- Italian American Historian Takes the Nation on Journey Through Generations at the Italian American Museum in Los Angeles
- Ray Romano and Sebastian Maniscalco Share Banter While Atop Italian Alps in Winter Olympics Promo Watch the full promo for the 2026 Winter Olympics on YouTube.
- 71 Italian American Groups Deliver Legal Appeal to Preserve Columbus Day in Philadelphia
- Chicago Columbus Statues Not Returning to Grant, Arrigo Parks After City Deal with Italian American Group
- Chicago Italian American Leader Ron Onesti Says He Wants to Replace Columbus Statue with Mother Cabrini.
- Two of Six Yale Faculty Members Recognized for Teaching Are Italian Americans
- Chinese and Italian Tourists Killed in Crash Near Yellowstone
- Is Your Kid Speaking Italian Gibberish? Blame this Gen Alpha ‘Brainrot’ Meme
- Houston Rockets Owner Tilman Fertitta Confirmed as Trump’s Ambassador to Italy
- Will Italy Get the Papacy Back After Half a Century of Foreigners?
- A Local's Guide to Italian Dining Etiquette
Upcoming Events
May 28, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford
Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
Make Columbus Day Great Again!
IADL Newsletter
April 27, 2025 - United to Fight Cancel Culture
Welcome new IADL members: Benjamin Cunningham and Michael Skrocki!
Illinois schools are fighting to protect Native American imagery from cancel culture and Tony Henson, President of the Native American Guardian’s Association (NAGA), has requested our help! We need everyone to oppose this cancel culture: A bill by Illinois State Rep Maurice West - HB1237 - would forcibly eliminate important Native American imagery and terms in Illinois schools. If passed, this would ban the terms Redskin, Braves, Chiefs, Chieftains, Tribe, Indians, or any synonymous term. NAGA needs our help - we must show Illinois lawmakers that NAGA has wide support. The bill has already been passed in the Illinois House of Representatives – we need your support in preventing it from passing in the Senate. Please contact: Illinois Senator & Assignments Committee Chair Kimberly A. Lightford at (708) 632-4500, to say that you oppose this bill in support of NAGA, and to urge her to prevent the bill from being assigned to a committee.
- For more info on this issue: https://www.wifr.com/2025/03/19/some-illinois-high-schoolsmight-be-forced-switch-mascots/
- To read the bill in full: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=1237&GAID=18&GA=104&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=157029&SessionID=114
Please help NAGA combat cancel culture by opposing this discriminatory bill. NAGA supports us in preserving Columbus Day - we must support NAGA in preserving their heritage! Read the news story here.
Italy Tightens Requirements for Citizenship of Italian Americans and COPOMIAO Responds
This CNN article explains that only Americans with parents or grandparents from Italy may become Italian citizens, which cancels the opportunity for millions of Americans of Italian ancestry to become dual citizens. COPOMIAO President Basil Russo wrote the following letter to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and IADL’s president was among the many Italian American leaders to sign it.
We write on behalf of the individual presidents of the 71 cultural, fraternal, charitable,
educational and anti-defamation organizations that comprise the membership of the
Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, COPOMIAO.org, to
respectfully express our strong opposition to the sweeping decree that significantly
restricts eligibility requirements to obtain Italian citizenship by descent.
The reason being given by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani for the change is that
there are over 60,000 pending applications for dual citizenship, and that the Italian
government is trying to curb the recent surge in applications to root out “fraud” and
“improper practices”. The vast majority of these pending applications are from only two
countries, Brazil and Argentina. If restrictions or quotas are necessary to correct abuses,
they should be placed on the residents of countries who have abused the process, not on
Italian Americans living in the United States, who have not done so.
Historically, Italy sent over four million immigrants to the United States between
1880 to 1920, more than any other country in the world during that period. Today nearly
all of the children and grandchildren of those immigrants are deceased, with only their
great-grandchildren and their descendants remaining. The new decree will now prevent
nearly all of the 18 million descendants of those immigrants from applying for dual
citizenship.
This new decree is not just about passports. It’s about heritage, identity and justice for
millions of Italian Americans who have maintained a cultural and familial connection to
Italy for generations. Italian Americans are extremely proud of their heritage, but this
decree sends the uncomfortable message to us that our motherland is not equally proud
to claim us, because it chooses to enact laws that will make it more difficult for Italian
Americans to maintain their historical bond with Italy.
Please understand that we, the undersigned leaders of the Italian American community,
respectfully request that this new decree be abolished so that the great-grandchildren
and their descendants will once again be allowed to apply for dual citizenship.
Italian Heritage News
Read this article published after the passing of Pope Francis which includes the section, “A family of Italian immigrants,” and explains the Holy Father’s Italian heritage. The article states, “Pope Francis comes from a family of Italian immigrants who made a life in Buenos Aires. His grandfather, Giovanni Angelo Bergoglio, left Italy at 20 and moved to Argentina with his wife, Rosa Vassallo, in 1929 to escape Mussolini’s regime. That journey shaped the family’s story. His dad, Mario José, worked in the railway industry, while his mom stayed home to raise the kids. They grew up in the Flores neighborhood, with strong values, deep faith, and a solid connection to their Italian roots.” For a more detailed dive into the legacy of Pope Francis and his Italian heritage, read Truby Chiaviello’s article in Primo Magazine online.
Dr. Gilda Battaglia Rorro Baldassari and daughter, Dr. Mary Rorro, will next receive a Ten for Trenton Award for contributions made to the local community. They led the charge in the creation of New Jersey’s Italian heritage curriculum. Continue reading here.
Prisencolinensinainciusol — Adriano Celentano’s gibberish song lives on. Fifty years since the Italian singer wrote it, his deliberately nonsensical track has found new life on social media.
Growing Up with Italian American Music: Songs of Home: From Italy to the U.S.A.
Column | In Praise of the Gentleman: Italian, American Chivalry
Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum Announces 2025 Grant Recipients
The Best Little Italy Restaurants in Manhattan
Middletown Officials Deny Outside Probe into Alleged Violations in Columbus Statue Move
Upcoming Events
April 29, 2025 – NAGA & IAOVC Solidarity Session
Join IADL, Italian American Once Voice Coalition, and Native American Guardian’s Association, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 8 PM EST – Register online and receive a ZOOM link. Author and Columbus expert Rafael Ortiz will be the guest speaker. All Americans of every background are welcome as we call “to bring different cultures together and facilitate conversations about preserving cultural heritage in the face of cancel culture. Join us to learn more about the importance of cultural preservation and how we can work together to ensure that our respective heritages are protected from cancel culture.” Individuals and organizations are asked to consider joining the Seven Generations Alliance. Strength is in numbers, and the goal is to create a coalition 1 million people strong.
May 28, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford
Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
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Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Now is the time! Ora è il momento!
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
IADL Newsletter
April 13, 2025 - Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter in Italy
Let’s welcome new IADL member Gina Gallo who is an Italian teacher at Bristol Central High School. Gallo is asking for your help to become “Teacher of the Year.” All you have to do is use the link below to vote. Here is Gallo’s message below:
BUONGIORNO! ! I hope this message finds you well.
I’m reaching out to all Italian groups in the Tri-State area to rally support for the Bristol Central High School (BCHS) Italian program. I’m currently competing in a voting contest where the school with the most votes wins $25,000! While I’m certainly not claiming to be America’s Favorite anything, this is a fantastic opportunity to help our students without much effort on your part.
My Goal: To start a fund to help offset the cost of study abroad and exchange programs in/with Italy. These programs help us maintain our cultural ties to Italian and help our students USE their language skills in the most authentic ways!
How You Can Help:
Vote once a day until May 1 – it only takes a moment and voting is completely free!
Verify your vote using Facebook.
Share the voting link with your friends and family to increase our chances! PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING WITH YOUR LISTSERV!
🗳 Vote here: https://americasfavteacher.org/2025/gina-gallo
Voting Timeline: VOTE ONCE A DAY!!!
Quarterfinals: April 7 – April 17 (votes reset)
Semifinals: April 18 – April 24 (votes reset)
Finals: April 25 – May 1 (votes reset)
Winner announced on May 31!
Thank you for your time and support. I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to help our students see the world and gain invaluable cultural experiences through this program. Your support means the world to us!
Grazie mille!
Gina Gallo
Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter in Italy
If you're planning to visit Italy and would like to beat the summer heat, maybe consider a vacation during Holy Week for a cultural and spiritual experience of a lifetime. In the following article, Priscila Siano, marketing director of Tour Italy Now, takes us through the country's most cherished Holy Week traditions that bring entire towns together throughout Italy. Read the first two paragraphs and keep reading at the link provided.
Any visitor in Italy during Holy Week would do well to know a bit about the rich traditions that surround this occasion. With Roman Catholicism being considered as the largest religion in the country in which the Vatican can also be found, a number of Holy Week traditions in Italy, from practices to rituals still prevail, particularly in the southern regions.
The beginning of Holy Week is on Palm Sunday, and it lasts for the rest of the week up until Black Saturday, before ending in joyous Easter, or “Pasqua”, celebrations. Take note that the Monday right after Easter (“Pasquetta”) is also a holiday, so plan your trips accordingly. Continue reading here.
IADL Newsletter Milestone
Italian-American Defense League has published and emailed 217 consecutive weekly newsletters. That streak is about to come to an end as I will forgo emailing a newsletter on Easter Sunday, April 20th. Let’s take a look at our first newsletter from February 14, 2021 below. Buona Pasqua!
February 14, 2021
Italian-American Defense League (IADL) protects Italian-American heritage, history, and culture. A way to sum up IADL’s vision is that it promotes education, portrays positive stereotypes, and preserves traditions. That is what IADL will focus on in its newsletters.
Promote Education
Attorney Robert Petrone of Philadelphia has worked in the trenches advocating for Italian Americans by educating leaders and the general public about Christopher Columbus. Petrone has rigorously studied the primary source documents from Columbus’s times and found that Christopher Columbus is the first civil rights activist of the New World. Read Part 1 of 8 of Petrone’s articles on Columbus the Civil Rights Activist. Each article will be posted weekly at iadlnow.org/columbus-articles.
“Christopher Columbus became the first civil rights activist of the Americas and the founder of Western Culture in the New World, making him, beyond cavil, the greatest hero of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries.”
Portray Positive Stereotypes
Italian-American immigrants, their children, and grandchildren are some of the hardest working people in America. How could such a high quality and working-class people, now in many lucrative blue collar and white collar professions, still be associated with organized crime? I have to admit I’ve enjoyed the movies, but what about their impact? Read The Godfather Legacy: Assessing the Damage.
Preserve Traditions
During the past week, Italian civil rights leaders have been advocating for the preservation of Columbus Day as an Italian-American tradition. Advocates for Italian Americans believe that replacing one ethnic group’s holiday for another ethnic group’s holiday is a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution’s equal protection clause. In state legislatures, city councils, and boards of education across the United States, Italian-Americans have been silenced, limited to 2–3-minute soundbites with councilors and board members unwilling to listen. Have Italian-Americans been given due process?
In Syracuse, NY: Syracuse’s Columbus Statue Group Escalates Political War Against Ben Walsh
In Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Changes Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day
In Montana: Bill to Change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day Introduced in the State Senate
In Gary, IA: Gary Replaces Columbus Day with Holiday Celebrating City’s 1st Black Mayor
You can see that to protect Italian-American heritage, history, and culture: Now is the time! Encourage family, friends, and colleagues to join the IADL at https://iadlnow.org/become-a-member .
Italian Heritage News
Montana House approves Indigenous Peoples’ Day - Montana will soon have a new holiday on the books, after the House approved of Senate Bill 224 to add Indigenous Peoples’ Day to the list of legal state holidays. The House on Wednesday passed the bill 87-12, establishing the holiday to be celebrated on the second Monday of October, in addition to recognizing Columbus Day the same day.
Congress Bill Spotlight: Smithsonian Italian American Museum - The National Museum of Italian American History Commission Act would establish a commission to analyze whether a new Smithsonian museum about Italian Americans should be built in Washington, D.C.
Dear to My Heart': King Charles III Addresses Italian Parliament in Rome in Historic First - King Charles III has become the first British monarch to address both houses of the Italian parliament.
Prada Brings Versace Home to Create Italian Luxury Contender - Prada's deal to buy Versace revives hopes for a 'Made in Italy' luxury champion after many other family-founded brands ended up in French, Swiss or U.S. hands, and comes as many Italian groups are outperforming the struggling sector.
Italian Scientist’s Remains Found in Colombia Spark Multinational Investigation - An Italian scientist has been found dead in Colombia, according to local authorities, after several pieces of a human body were discovered lying on a path in the coastal city of Santa Marta on Sunday.
Upcoming Events
April 23, 2025 – IADL Meeting – 6PM in Guilford
Join IADL for a Board of Director’s meeting which will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 6PM in Guilford. Meet IADL board members and discuss important IADL happenings. Your RSVP will help us prepare for the meeting. Register here! Expect an email from us with the agenda before the meeting. Our meeting will take place in Guilford, CT. The address will appear on your screen after you submit the RSVP.
April 24-27, 2025 - Yale Department of Italian Studies
Enjoy amazing films and great company at the 18th Annual Festival of Italian Cinema. The event takes place from April 24-27, 2025. Mark your calendars and there’ll be more information to come by Yale’s Department of Italian Studies.
Donate to the Italian-American Defense League and support our legal effort on GoFundme.
Website: https://iadlnow.org/
Facebook: IADL account disabled by Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/IADLPresident
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iadlnow/?hl=en
Member of COPOMIAO: https://copomiao.org/
Italian-American Defense League is a 501(c)4 nonprofit charity and social welfare organization. The primary purpose of the Italian-American Defense League (IADL) is to promote mutual cooperation among its members, reinforce social welfare ideals with community involvement, and preserve the historical significance and achievements of Italian Americans. The IADL’s secondary purpose is to serve as a lobbying and advocacy group to local, state, or federal authorities and the private sector on matters of interest to Italian Americans.
Duomo di Milano