The Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, met yesterday at Villa Firenze in Washington with a delegation from the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit (ASILM) and a group of recipients of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
“We wanted to bring together the members of ASILM with other decorated individuals of the Italian Republic who live and work in the United States,” stated the Ambassador, who added that “the Embassy aims to foster the development of contacts and synergies among those who have been honored by the Italian Republic for their important role in the United States. Their contribution is essential in developing and strengthening the relations between our two countries.”
Zappia emphasized how the strong ties between Italy and the United States are primarily fueled by the connections among Italians, Italian-Americans, and Americans with ties to Italy: “Each of you, with your experiences and personal stories, plays an important role that should not be underestimated. Each of you contributes, in your own way, to promoting Italy—whether through culture, language, the economy, or the sciences. The future of our bilateral relations also depends on your contributions.”
ASILM is a U.S.-based association that brings together, at the national level, individuals who have been honored by the Italian Republic. The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI), the highest of the Italian national orders, recognizes special achievements in the fields of literature, the arts, the economy, public service, and activities carried out for social, philanthropic, and humanitarian purposes, as well as service in civilian and military careers.
