by Stefano Vaccara
NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – The first edition of the John Marchi Prize was held at the Italian Institute of Culture in New York, promoted by the Magna Grecia Foundation chaired by Nino Foti. The award, dedicated to the memory of the historic Italian-American Senator, was given to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
During the ceremony, the President of the Magna Graecia Foundation Nino Foti highlighted the path of Pompey, from training in West Point to serving as an army officer during the Cold War, to the CIA and the State Department, underlining its role in international security policies, promoting religious freedom and strengthening relations between allies, also through the contribution to the Abraham’s Agreements.
To recall John Marchi’s figure, he was lawyer John Lauro, who stressed the role of reference for the Italian-American community and the commitment in institutions, recalling the values of integrity, public service and responsibility that characterized his long career.
“John Marchi – Foti added – was an Italian-American senator who served institutions with a strong sense of rules, legality and respect, as well as fundamental principles that guided his whole life.”.
To follow space to the award. In his speech of thanks, Pompey defined the recognition “an honor that makes me humble and responsible”, recalling his Italian roots and the value of the relationship between Italy and the United States. “We have the responsibility to maintain this relationship solid, based on shared virtues and freedoms,” he said, stressing that the transatlantic alliance is based on common interests and values destined to last over time.
The former Secretary of State also recalled the role of the Italian-American community, defining it as an essential component of American tradition, composed of laborious people, linked to faith and able to maintain their cultural roots.
At the ceremony, hosted by the director of the Italian Cultural Institute of New York Claudio Pagliara, the Italian Ambassador to the United Nations Giorgio Marrapodi, the Italian Consul General in New York Giuseppe Pastorelli, Joan Marchi Migliori, daughter of John Marchi, Daniel Nigro, Fire Commissioner of the State of New York, Arthur Gajarsa, former United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appe.
-photo xo9/Italpress-
(ITALPRESS).
