Peace on Earth

At this time of the year, it is good to remember our past, those who came before us and made our way a little easier. This is a time for family and that’s Italian! Sometimes, however, we are so caught up in all the preparations for the holidays that we forget to take time out to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas. We, Italian Americans, are certainly full of our traditions, and they are like rituals, which must be performed.

The fish dinner of Christmas Eve, the crèche in our homes, midnight mass and of course, visits to family and friends. It is a good time, and we have much to be thankful. However, Christmas marks the birth of Christ and with Him comes the hope of the world for peace on this earth. This seems especially important to keep in mind this year when so many of our armed forces personnel are in harms way in the Middle East. With them, goes our prayer for peace for they are brining democracy and freedom to Afghanistan and Iraq for the first time in that part of the world. However, it has not been without human consequence. Our hearts go out to the families of our uniformed service personnel especially those who have lost a loved one in the pursuit of making our world a place free of terrorism. We are blessed with so many talented men and women in uniform and we need to support them in whatever way we can. I am pleased to share a recent experience with you of one of my former students, Richard Greco. On December 13th, I attended his swearing in ceremony at the Pentagon when he took the oath of office as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Yes, he is one of us, an Italian American, and I share with you my pride that he has risen to this high office. Even more important that he is a man of courage and that he is a man of conviction, a family man who I am sure will bring honor to himself and his family and in doing so make all of us proud.
As we look to the New Year, we are actively seeking a permanent home for our Italian American Museum and will hopefully be able to make an important announcement at our annual gala on April 15, 2005 at the Plaza in New York City. Hope you can be with us.
Until then, to you and your family we wish you Buon Natale e Buon Capo D’Anno!
Joseph V. Scelsa

Save the Date

Italian American Museum
Gala and Award Ceremony
Friday, April 15, 2005

The Plaza
Fifth Avenue and Central Park South
Manhattan
Black Tie 7:00 p.m. Cocktails
Invitation to Follow 8:00 p.m. Dinner

For Further Information Call: (212) 642-2020