June 2, 2011 marks the 65th Anniversary of the Republic of Italy. On that day, millions of Italians, in the motherland and abroad, will pause to solemnly commemorate a day which, perhaps distant in time, is still fervently held in the hearts and minds of all of its citizens as well as those claiming Italian descent.

On June 2, 1946 Italy held the first general election following World War II. The Republic form of government was chosen, and deputies were elected to the Constituent Assembly which the following year approved the Constitution, which became the foundation and symbol of the Country's democracy as well as a guide and inspiration to the moral and institutional reconstruction of Italy.

That historic day marked both the end of an arduous process of liberation and emancipation of the Italian citizens and the institutions, as well as the beginning of a new, equally challenging and significant journey securing and strengthening the newly born Republic with an unwavering commitment towards international peace and cooperation aimed at creating a stronger European nation.

This solemn and significant commemoration, which is being brought back to Cleveland for the second consecutive year by Marco Nobili, Consul of Italy in Detroit, and the Italian Cultural Garden Foundation, also intends to recognize the will, determination, and steadfastness of the numerous Italians resolute in winning back their independence and rebuilding a democratic nation founded on justice and equality, principles shared with the USA, a partner and allied Nation. In this spirit, at a time when the American and Italian military stand together firmly to protect international peace and security in different parts of the world, it is not only an honor but a duty to acknowledge the sacrifice of the bravest sons and daughters of America.

The history of co-operation between Italy and the United States, in times of war as in those of peace, is important to all of us. Thus, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the Republic, Consul Nobili also wishes to remember those men and women in uniform who fought in order to defend common ideals. Italy and America's shared choice of the end of World War I as the best way to pay tribute to their Armed Forces is further evidence of the strong bonds of friendship existing between the two countries. On June 5, 1932, then Cleveland Major Raymond T. Miller; Ohio Gov. George White and former Secretary of War, Newton D. Baker joined five thousand people at Cleveland's monument to Italy, the Italian Cultural Garden, for the dedication of the Monte Grappa Memorial to World War I sent in 1932 by the Italian Government honoring Italian American veterans who fought on Italian soil.

Seventy-nine years later, on Saturday, June 4, 2010, the Consulate of Italy of Italy in Detroit and the Italian Cultural Garden Foundation will honor these two solemn anniversaries by holding a ceremony once again at the Italian Cultural Garden in Rockefeller Park, which will be attended by state and local government representatives and distinguished guests. Given its history, the Garden was the perfect venue to host the event. In fact, in 1930 the government of Italy helped finance the creation of Cleveland's monument to Italy and has fostered its mission throughout the years "as a symbol of the contribution of Italian culture to American democracy".

This event is made possible by the support of several local Italian American Clubs, Associations, and local businesses. Serena Scaiola, Hon. Vice Consul of Italy in Cleveland and Joyce Mariani, Executive Director of the Italian Cultural Garden Foundation, wish to express their heartfelt and sincerest gratitude to anyone contributing to make this celebration a reality.

Tickets for those wishing to attend are $15.00 each. Checks should be made out to: Honorary Vice Consulate of Italy in Cleveland and received by June 3rd, 2011.
Please send payment to:
Honorary Vice Consulate of Italy
Hanna Building, Ste. 618
1422 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115

For general information, please contact Serena Scaiola, Hon. Vice Consul of Italy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 216.861.1585