Washington, DC (October 20, 2025) – The Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Marco Peronaci, hosted an event at the Italian Embassy on Friday evening in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and Italian American Heritage Month.
At the opening, Ambassador Peronaci requested a moment of silence to pay tribute to Marco Piffari, Valerio Daprà, and Davide Bernardello, the three Carabinieri who lost their lives in Verona a few days ago.
In his remarks, Peronaci highlighted the significant contribution of the Italian-American community: “From art to architecture, from cuisine to commerce, from science to institutions, Italian-Americans have brought their cultural heritage, talent, and ingenuity to every corner of this Nation. Their story is one of resilience, hard work, and pride.” Peronaci also thanked President Trump for the importance he has attributed to Christopher Columbus and the holiday in the United States that bears his name, citing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s words on the centrality of this figure.
Recalling that the transatlantic bond, with its strength and depth, remains one of the cornerstones of Italy’s foreign policy, Ambassador Peronaci emphasized “the exceptional health of bilateral political relations, thanks to an open and continuous dialogue between the leadership of the two countries: it is enough to recall Prime Minister Meloni’s numerous visits to the United States since the beginning of the year and the ongoing contacts between Minister Tajani and Secretary of State Rubio.” While acknowledging that we live in a challenging international context, the Chief of Mission added that “we have a window of opportunity to develop and elevate bilateral relations to a new level, thanks to the stability of our country and the results achieved through the Government’s action.”
The reception was attended by numerous Italian and American authorities, including the Vice President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Giorgio Mulè, Italy’s Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, Italy’s Minister for Parliamentary Relations Luca Ciriani, Italy’s Deputy Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Vannia Gava, President of the Lazio Region Francesco Rocca, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army Carmine Masiello, and Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force Antonio Conserva. Also present were representatives from the Italian Parliament, including those elected abroad in the North and Central American constituency, the European Parliament, the United States Congress – particularly the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD) – and of course NIAF, including Chairman John Calvelli. Notably, prominent figures from the Italian business world attended, including CEOs of Exor, John Elkann; Enel, Flavio Cattaneo; Ferrovie dello Stato (Italian State Railways), Stefano Donnarumma; and Fincantieri, Pierroberto Folgiero.
The symbolic importance of Christopher Columbus was also emphasized by Vice President Mulè, Minister Santanchè, Minister Ciriani, and Lazio Region President Rocca. NIAF Chairman John Calvelli also paid tribute to Columbus, reiterating NIAF’s commitment to serving the Italian-American community and fostering Italy-U.S. relations. In closing, Calvelli invited attendees to the traditional Gala hosted by NIAF, which took place the following day in Washington.
