~faft nf ~nrf4 @arnlina
PAT McCRORY
GOVERNOR
ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
2015
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, October is Italian American Heritage and Culture Month; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Day has been a national holiday in October since 1934; this holiday is
celebrated by Italian Americans in communities across the United States as an opportunity to publicly recognize
their pride in their heritage and traditions; and
WHEREAS, from the early explorers to the 5.5 million immigrants around the beginning of the
twentieth century, Italian Americans have helped shape and develop our nation; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina has specific historical ties to Italian culture, including early exploration,
mass immigration and business; and
WHEREAS, there are an estimated 200,000 Italian Americans residing in North Carolina; with them
comes their focus on family, faith, strong work ethic, and love of country; they are particularly proud of
outstanding representation in industry, government, and academia in our great state; and
WHEREAS, Italian American citizens have made significant economic and cultural contributions to
government, science and technology, arts and entertainment, literature, products and design and food; and we
celebrate these many contributions to our state's rich heritage; and
WHEREAS, Italian Americans remain key to the growth and prosperity of our state and nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAT McCRORY, Governor of the State of North Carolina, proclaim
October 2015, as "ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH" in North Carolina, and commend its
observance to all citizens.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of
North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this sixth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and
fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.