“What does one think of when reading the words Italian American?” I asked a friend.
Was she going to say tomato sauce (gravy) or delicious food? How about fictional characters, Michael Corleone or Tony Soprano? Does the phrase “fuhgeddaboudit” suddenly pop into your head? Or maybe the “Che vuoi?” (pinched fingers) hand gesture? All are the kind of answers I have heard before.
“Pasta,” she replied.
It was a funny retort but the kind of reply I have become used to. She meant no offense by it, but it is indicative of how people view Italians and Italian Americans. Yet there is much more to the Italian American mystique, and the National Italian American Foundation is dedicated to showing the country that the demographic should be synonymous with more than just pasta.
You’d be hard-pressed to find an organization that has done more to make a cultural and political impact than the National Italian American Foundation, especially in 2024, its 49th year of existence. From helping finance the hit Angel Studios biopic Cabrini to defending the legacy of explorer Christopher Columbus to the pizazz and glamour of its annual gala in Washington, D.C., to sponsoring the commissioning of a United States Navy destroyer, the NIAF has diligently worked to reshape the perception of Italian Americans.
Consider the sponsorship of the commissioning of the Navy destroyer USS John Basilone, named after the U.S. World War II hero and Italian American icon. If there were a Hall of Fame for the nation’s soldiers, Basilone would undoubtedly be part of it.
“Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone is arguably the paramount American hero of the Second World War,” NIAF President Robert Allegrini told me. “He was the war’s only recipient of both the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. He was an outstanding representative of the Italian American principles of patriotism, valor, sacrifice, commitment, and selflessness. As such, it seemed entirely natural and appropriate for the National Italian American Foundation to support the commissioning of a ship named for John Basilone.
“Our mission is to celebrate and advance the inspiring achievements and uplifting values of the Italian culture and presence in America,” Allegrini said. “John Basilone was the perfect embodiment of those achievements and values.”
Basilone’s name should be among the answers given when people are asked questions about Italian Americans. Unfortunately, he’s not, but due to the NIAF’s efforts, he hopefully will be one day.
In 2025, the NIAF will celebrate its 50th anniversary. It’s another year of promoting Italian American heritage and raising awareness of Italian American culture. It’s also another year of new endeavors to fortify the relationship between the U.S. and Italy, another noble objective of the NIAF and one that the country should take note of and follow.
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From offering college scholarships to internships in Congress to creating new fellowship opportunities for young professionals to familiarize them with the Italian political and economic systems, the organization devotes considerable time and resources to making the world a better place and bringing a vibrant awareness to the accomplishments, contributions, and impact of Italian Americans. And while the NIAF recognizes the great Italian Americans of the past, it also helps shape the leaders of tomorrow.
For all the organization has done, will do, and has planned for 2025, the NIAF’s 50th year will unquestionably be its best one yet.
This article was originally published at www.washingtonexaminer.com
