Following the passing
of a proposal to recognize Italian Americans by the Suffolk County Ways and
Means Committee last week, the Legislature unanimously passed a bill brought
forward by Legislator Steven J. Flotteron (R) – 11th Legislative
District to establish October as Italian Appreciation Month. Over the last
century, Italian-Americans have become successful citizens and participants in
the American family.
This recognition will
bring to light the journey of many Italian Americans who made the long ocean
journey in steerage to a foreign land, with a foreign language and culture, in
search of a better life for themselves and their families. Living in tenements,
working in sweatshops; cherishing family, hard work and education, Italian
Americans slowly made progress economically, socially, politically and
artistically in America. America was the land of opportunity and they certainly
made their mark and earned their place as successful members of mainstream
America, having defeated the forces of prejudice and poverty.
“Italian Americans can
take a moment to look with pride and gratitude at their accomplishments in
America and remind this generation’s Italian Americans of their heritage,” said
Legislator Flotteron.