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Earlier this week, I had the privilege of presiding over a celebration of Italian-American Heritage in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the New York State Supreme Court Building.

This ceremony is a special one for me.   In 1963, I had the good fortune to have met and fallen in love with a young registered nurse whose father was born in Foggia.  My wife, Patricia Pennisi Hynes, has been teaching me ever since what it means to be Italian – and what it means to be married to one.  This October 19th will mark our 45th wedding anniversary.

 

In every field and profession, we can find the influence of distinguished Italian-American men and women – in the arts, medicine, law, engineering, music and journalism.   Their impact on our American landscape has been profound.  And we need look no further than Brooklyn to find shining examples in the Italian-American men and women whose illustrious achievements have added so much to this borough and helped make Brooklyn a richer and better place.

 

Last night I honored seven individuals of Italian-American descent and one Italian-American organization whose impressive accomplishments have contributed to the  legacy shared by all Italian-Americans and have made them an inspiration to us all:   The Honorable Angela Battaglia, Commissioner, City Planning Commission, recipient of the Distinguished Public Service Award;  NYPD Deputy Inspector John Corbisiero, recipient of the Law Enforcement Award;  Pamela Maffei McCarthy, recipient of the Distinguished Journalism Award; Blaise Parascandola, Esq., recipient of the Distinguished Legal Advocacy Award; Dr. Regina Peruggi, recipient of the Educational Trailblazer Award; G. Jack Spatola, recipient of the Cultural Heritage Award; and Dr. Anthony J. Tortolani, recipient of the Distinguished Physician Award.

 

I was proud to present the New York City Department of Sanitation Columbia Association with the Italian-American Organization of 2008 Award. The Columbia Association, formed in 1936, is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in New York City’s uniformed forces.  Their mission is to promote fraternalism, education and charity, while projecting a positive image for Italian-Americans.  Their motto, “You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give,” is one that we can all affirm.

 

Congratulations to all of the honorees.  You make Brooklyn proud.

 

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