>> ITALIAN VERSION [2]

                                                               Cari Connazionali,

I wish you and your loved ones a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2011. This message is for the Italy that lives, works and studies in the United States. Together with the Italians of America, the President and the Councilors of COMITES [3] and the Italian legislators elected in our district, my wishes are also aimed to all the Americans of Italian origin and to those who know our country, appreciate our culture, and share those values that Italy represents around the world and that traditionally link us to the United States of America.
 
Last year I expressed a wish and a commitment: that the teaching of the Italian language may spread even more broadly in American classrooms. 2010 was an exceptional year for our language as it has become ever more important in schools and universities and as of next September, Italian will once again be one of the Advanced Placement Program [4]subjects for which students can earn university credits. It was not an easy “feat” but it was strongly desired by the Italian Government and was made possible thanks to the support of the principal Italian-American associations as well as important Italian businesses.
 
Italy's 2010 in America was full of satisfactions for many other reasons as well. First of all I would like to remind all of the welcoming spirit that the highest American authorities demonstrated towards our President of the Republic [5]and several members of our Government and Parliament on the occasion of their official visits to the United States. On each and every one of these occasions the strong allegiance and great friendship between our two countries was reaffirmed.  President Obama underlined our common assets on Columbus Day, when he stated that “the incalculable contributions of Italian Americans, whose determination, hard work, and leadership have done so much to build the strength of our Nation.” This relationship is made even stronger by a rich common history and by shared ideals such as those expressed, even prior to Italy's unification, by followers of the Enlightenment Gaetano Filangeri and Filippo Mazzei, and which are reflected in the American Constitution.

These common values motivate the 4,000 Italian men and women in uniform that operate side by side with the American military in Afghanistan. Like with Afghanistan, on the many demanding aspects of the international situation (that personally affect all of us) there exists a total harmony of views between Italy and the United States, within a framework of Transatatlantic relations that remains absolutely central.
 

After the economic crisis, financial relationships have recovered their usual vitality. There is more and more “green, white and red” presence among foreign enterprises in the United States: the Fiat-Chrysler agreement and the arrival of the “Cinquecento” in the American market are among the many visible aspects of our presence in the States, which is widespread throughout many sectors, from industrial production, to services and research. Finmeccanica employs 12,500 people in the States; Fincantieri is present on the territory with an important complex in Wisconsin; Eni has a strong presence in production and research; Enel is known by the American public for its leadership in the production of renewable energy; Italcementi has launched a large cement factory in West Virginia; Nerviano has subscribed to an agreement of industrial development with the pharmaceutical colossus Pfizer.

These and many other examples of “Italian excellence” can make the Italians of America proud, including the 15,000 researchers – Italians or of Italian origin – who, according to the National Science Foundation, operate in the United States, as well as the 70 physicists from Italian universities who are part of Fermilab, the largest particle accelerator of the United States.

December is not just a time to assess our accomplishments. It is also an opportunity to look ahead towards the future with trust and commitment. Therefore this year I would like to send out a special greeting to the recurrence that unites all Italians: March 17, 2011 which marks the 150th anniversary of Italian unification.
 

The Italians that live in the Untied States will pay homage to this date alongside the Americans who know and appreciate our country, its formidable culture, its heritage so rich in values, its exemplary love for freedom and its Risorgimental and Republican history. President Obama underlined this anniversary on his proclamation on Columbus Day, on October 12.

With "ITALY @ 150" we are promoting an intense program of celebrations in the main American cities under the High Patronage of our President of the Republic: big exhibitions in the most important American museums; film series; conferences on the thought and work of great Italian and American figures. We are aware that our history allows us to look ahead towards the future with the strength of a great nation and of a country that is appreciated and influential all around the world.

 
My best wishes to you and your families!

(Translation by Julian Sachs)