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NIAF and Italy’s UN Mission Celebrate Dual Milestone Anniversary at United Nations Reception
Event honored 70th anniversary of Italy’s UN admission and NIAF’s 50th founding anniversary
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations hosted an inspiring reception at UN Headquarters on the evening of July 22, celebrating two significant milestones: the 70th anniversary of Italy’s admission to the United Nations and the 50th anniversary of NIAF’s founding. The celebration, held at the prestigious Sputnik Lounge within the Glass Palace, brought together distinguished diplomats, dignitaries, Italian American community leaders, and institutional representatives for what NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini described as a “happy and symbolic confluence” of anniversaries. The event highlighted Italy’s return to the international scene in 1955 as a force for peace and cooperation, and NIAF’s founding twenty
years later, inspired by that model to strengthen cultural and institutional ties between the United States and Italy.
NIAF Chairman John Calvelli and NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini were joined by esteemed guests including Ambassador Maurizio Massari, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations; Senator Claudio Barbaro, Italy’s UnderSecretary of State for the Environment and Energy Security; Ambassador Bob Rae, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN; and Minister Counsellor Jonathan Shrier, Acting Representative of the United States to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
The evening featured reflections on Italy’s seven decades of leadership within the United Nations, including its vital contributions to international peacekeeping missions, humanitarian efforts, and food security initiatives through its support of UN bodies such as the FAO and the WFP.
“This momentous occasion serves as a powerful reminder of the deep and enduring bonds between Italy, the United Nations, and the Italian American community,” said Calvelli. “It was an honor to mark these anniversaries with our partners at the UN and with friends and allies from around the world.”
Allegrini added, “NIAF is proud to have spent the last 50 years promoting Italian heritage and strengthening the
transatlantic relationship between Italy and the United States. We look forward to the next 50 years with continued purpose and pride.”
The event underscored Italy’s active and valued contributions to international diplomacy and the vital cultural and civic role of Italian Americans across the United States. The celebration of NIAF’s 50th anniversary will culminate on October 18 in Washington, D.C., with the Golden Anniversary Gala.
About NIAF
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.
NIAF Statement on the Passing of Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) mourns the passing of wrestling icon Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, who died on July 24 at age 71 at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
Born Terry Gene Bollea to Pietro “Peter” Bollea and Ruth Moody, Hogan Continued on page 5
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PENSIERO
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Eric Bohn, Margaret Daly and Chef
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proudly carried forward his Italian heritage through his paternal grandfather, also named Pietro, who immigrated from Cigliano in the Province of Vercelli (Piedmont), Italy, in 1886. This Italian lineage remained an important part of Hulk Hogan’s identity throughout his legendary career.
“Hulk Hogan was not just a wrestling superstar – he was a cultural phenomenon who brought joy to millions of families worldwide,” said NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini. “His larger-than-life personality, combined with his proud Italian American roots, made him an inspiration to countless young Italian Americans who saw themselves reflected in his success.”
Hogan’s impact transcended the wrestling ring. From his breakout role in Rocky III to his starring films in Hollywood, from his reality television presence to his iconic status in American pop culture, he demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit and showmanship that has long characterized the Italian American experience in entertainment.
Throughout his career, Hogan embodied the values of hard work, determination, and family that resonate deeply within the Italian American community. His ability to reinvent himself –from the all-American hero of Hulkamania to the rebellious Hollywood Hogan –showed the adaptability and resilience that has defined generations of Italian American achievers.
“Hulk Hogan’s legacy extends far beyond sports entertainment,” continued
Allegrini. “He was a pioneer who helped transform wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon, paving the way for countless others while never forgetting his roots.”
The National Italian American Foundation extends its deepest condolences to the Bollea family, including his wife Sky, his children Brooke and Nick, and his grandchildren. We also extend our sympathy to the millions of fans worldwide who were touched by his charisma, his performances, and his enduring connection to his Italian heritage.
Hulk Hogan’s contributions to American popular culture and his pride in his Italian ancestry will be remembered for generations to come. He truly lived up to his own words: “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” The answer, we now know, is remember a legend.
About NIAF
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.
Misericordia Society’s Paul Gitto Pens a New Book
Misericordia Society member Paul Gitto has written a new book titled “The
Immigrant Son on the Hill.” The story begins at an Italian Heritage Day celebration on The Hill, where the 95-year-old Paul begins to remember his youth growing up in the neighborhood and how things have changed. It’s a fascinating look at history, The Hill, and the joys of being born into an Italian-American family. Paul’s book sells for $15 and is available at DiGregorio’s Market and online at Amazon.com. Paul is donating all money raised from the sale of the book to the Misericordia Scholarship Fund for St. Ambrose School.
“My Four Grandparents”
By Joe Polacco
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BIRTHDAYS
Matthew Fritsch
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Alexandra Marino-Durmišević
A Special Note:
Enjoy Ferragosto!
Carina Marino
and the Il Pensiero staff
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My grandparents from the Mezzogiorno Rarely received a Tuscan Buongiorno They sought to escape poverty and strife Not “poison the blood” of American life
Yes, they were people of color Illiterates from nests of squalor Of short, malnourished stature Escaping misery’s fatal capture
They left Italy’s poverty and prejudice And confronted each American nemesis To face down racism on our shores They worked and sacrificed to open doors
They made the naysayers a small minority Who spewed a fulminating superiority Hissed with vitriol, hate and bile, My Nonni replied with work, charm and style
Nonni’s grandchildren: yes, my generation Welcome huddled masses to our nation Let us not pay the crime forward Open our arms without a swearword
Uncle Sam, your NEW nieces and nephews Now keep us free of rot and refuse
They do the hard and needed work Once more proving their American worth Copyright © 2025 Joe Polacco All Rights Reserved
About The Author
Joe is a native of Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst and a product of NYC public schools through high school (Stuyvesant HS). He earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry (Cornell 1966), and a doctorate in biochemistry and genetics (Duke 1971). Joe is currently
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Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry at the University of Missouri. Joe and colleagues authored research papers, book chapters, reviews, patents and monographs. They made contributions to understanding plant nitrogen and mineral metabolism
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Ingredients:
2 cans of artichokes
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Chop up artichokes and add the ingredients and mix together. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with your choice of cracker.
Bring this to your gathering!
