Italian Americans: A Legacy of Valor and Patriotism

 

Italian Americans: A Legacy of Valor and Patriotism

Italian Americans have played a significant and often overlooked role in the history of the United States, notably during pivotal conflicts such as the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Their contributions underscore a deep tradition of patriotism and service to their adopted homeland, enriching America's narrative with their courage and commitment.

Italian Americans in the Revolutionary War

While the presence of Italian Americans during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) was relatively limited compared to later conflicts, there were notable individuals of Italian descent who made significant contributions. Filippo Mazzei, an Italian physician, and close friend of Thomas Jefferson, is a particularly distinguished figure. Mazzei’s advocacy for liberty and human rights influenced the ideological foundations of the new nation, with Jefferson paraphrasing his writings in the Declaration of Independence.

Mazzei’s commitment to the American cause was unwavering; he actively promoted support for the Revolution in Europe, helping to garner crucial aid from France and other countries. While few Italians lived in the American colonies at the time, Mazzei exemplified the spirit of unity and support that characterized the contributions of Italian Americans in America's fight for independence.

Italian Americans in the Civil War

The Civil War (1861-1865) saw a more noticeable involvement from Italian Americans, who fought with valor on both sides of the conflict. Their participation reflected the deep divisions within American society but also highlighted their integration and commitment to their new country.

One of the notable Italian American figures during this period was Colonel Luigi Palma di Cesnola, an immigrant from Italy who commanded the 4th New York Cavalry. Di Cesnola received the Medal of Honor for his heroism, particularly noted during the Battle of Aldie in 1863. His leadership and bravery were emblematic of the sacrifices made by Italian Americans during the war.

In addition to soldiers like di Cesnola, Italian immigrants contributed in other ways, such as through logistical support and supplying the forces. Their involvement underscored not only their desire for a united and free America but also their readiness to defend the principles upon which the nation was founded, even at great personal cost.

Italian American Patriotism

The patriotism of Italian Americans extends beyond their contributions to specific wars. It is embedded in a tradition of service and civic engagement. Throughout American history, Italian Americans have actively participated in political, social, and cultural development.

During World War II, the loyalty and patriotism of Italian Americans were once again evident despite facing significant prejudice and suspicion, particularly once Italy allied with Axis powers. Many Italian Americans served valiantly in the U.S. Armed Forces, while others contributed on the home front, demonstrating unwavering support for the United States.

Italian Americans have continued to influence the fabric of American society, with their rich cultural heritage contributing to the diversity that defines the United States. Today, their patriotism is celebrated through various cultural organizations and events, which help preserve their unique history and contributions.

Conclusion

The legacy of Italian Americans is a testament to their enduring patriotism and their significant contributions to the history and development of the United States. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, and through to modern times, Italian Americans have consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to their adopted homeland, enriching the nation with their bravery, service, and cultural heritage. Their story is a vital part of the broader American narrative, illustrating the diverse and inclusive spirit that defines the United States.

Italian Americans and the Celebration of Independence Day: A Fusion of Patriotism and Heritage

Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, stands as a symbol of freedom and unity in the United States. For Italian Americans, this day holds deep significance, serving as an opportunity to honor their adopted homeland while celebrating their unique cultural contributions. The intertwining of American and Italian traditions on this day highlights the profound patriotic spirit and rich heritage of Italian American communities.

Embracing American Patriotism

Italian Americans have long demonstrated a strong commitment to American values and ideals. Their enthusiastic participation in Fourth of July celebrations is a testament to their patriotism. Across the country, Italian American communities engage in a variety of activities that blend both American and Italian customs, creating festive environments that celebrate freedom and heritage alike.

Community Celebrations and Parades

Many cities with significant Italian American populations, such as New York, Boston, and Chicago, host grand Independence Day celebrations that prominently feature Italian American participation. Parades are a highlight of these festivities, where Italian American organizations, such as the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), proudly march with the Stars and Stripes and the Italian Tricolore. These parades often include displays of Italian culture through traditional music, dance, and folk costumes, reflecting the dual heritage cherished by Italian American families.

Festivities and Food

Food plays a central role in Fourth of July celebrations among Italian Americans. Traditional American barbecue staples like hamburgers and hot dogs are often complemented by Italian favorites such as pasta dishes, cannolis, and gelato. It is not uncommon to find Italian American households hosting large family gatherings featuring both Italian and American culinary delights.

In cities like San Francisco and New Orleans, where Italian American communities are vibrant, public events during the Fourth of July often include food festivals showcasing an array of Italian dishes. These events not only celebrate American independence but also highlight the cultural contributions of Italian Americans to the nation's diverse culinary landscape.

Honoring Military Service

Independence Day is also a time for Italian Americans to honor the service and sacrifices of their community members in the U.S. Armed Forces. Italian Americans have a proud history of military service, from early conflicts like the Revolutionary War and Civil War, to World War I, World War II, and more recent engagements. Memorials and ceremonies on the Fourth of July often include tributes to Italian American veterans, underscoring their dedication and patriotism.

Celebrating Freedom and Heritage

For many Italian Americans, the Fourth of July is a day to reflect on the journey of their ancestors who left Italy in search of a better life in the United States. It is a day that symbolizes the freedoms and opportunities they found in America, allowing them to build prosperous lives while maintaining their cultural identities. The celebrations often include storytelling sessions where elders share tales of their immigrant forebears, fostering a sense of pride and continuity within the community.

Cultural Events and Performances

Incorporating Italian cultural elements, such as opera performances, folk dances, and art exhibitions, into Fourth of July festivities helps Italian Americans express their dual identity. For instance, cities like New York host special events at Italian cultural centers, where community members can enjoy concerts featuring both the American national anthem and "Il Canto degli Italiani," the Italian national anthem. Such events promote cultural appreciation and unity, reinforcing the bonds between all Americans.

Conclusion

Independence Day is a day of profound significance for Italian Americans, embodying their love and loyalty to the United States while celebrating their rich cultural heritage. Their enthusiastic participation in July 4th festivities, with a blend of American and Italian traditions, exemplifies the integrative spirit that defines the American experience. As Italian Americans gather with family and friends, march in parades, enjoy festive meals, and honor their veterans, they continue to uphold the ideals of freedom and unity that the Fourth of July represents. This celebration not only highlights their contributions to American society but also reinforces the enduring values of diversity and inclusion at the heart of the nation.

To read more about Italian Americans and the Revolutionary War and patriotism, click here: Italian Americans and the Revolutionary War - Google Search , Italian Americans and patriotism - Google Search

Ideas On How To Celebrate An Italian American Christmas

 Ideas On How To Celebrate An Italian American Christmas

Christmas season 2024 is here and that means getting excited for familiar and comforting traditions, great food, gifts, parties, and getting together with family. For many it is their favorite holiday, not so much for the material or financial gifts they receive but for the gifts of family, friends and togetherness they celebrate. Much like the American Thanksgiving, but on a universal level, being shared by just about every peoples across the world. Here is a link to actual Christmas traditions in Italy, but for purposes of this article I want to focus on the American descendants of the great wave of Italian immigrants. You see, many of us have "Americanized" and integrated so well into American society that there is little that distinguishes us as "Italian," other than our last names, and for some even that has been changed. Christmas is no different. Many Italian American families today celebrate it the American way: Mass or church attendance on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day, Christmas light looking, a big dinner and family get together, the story of Santa Claus, the one popularized by American writers, cartoonists and corporate advertisers like for Coca Cola, (go here and/or here for more about the history of Santa Claus), and the unwrapping of presents, usually on Christmas Day but sometimes on Christmas Eve. These are all great, fun and wonderful traditions, but fort those who want to reclaim a bit of their Italian heritage, or for non-Italians who simply want to add something different to their holiday traditions or enjoy some cultural diversity, here are some ideas on how to make your Christmas more "Italian American."

1.) Buon Natale!

If you forgot or never knew it, try learning and speaking Italian, starting with saying "Merry Christmas" in Italian, "Buon Natale!" "Happy New Year" is "Felice Anno Nuovo!" You may already have the Italian colors of red, white and green around of course!

2.) Attend Traditional Masses:

You could attend The Mass of The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics anyways, and of course, and when the Christmas season in Italy gets "into high gear" according to The Proud Italian, and a Christmas Eve Midnight Mass. I suggest attending ones that are held in Italian. Even if you're not Catholic, many parishes will do something special for Christmas. My parish, Our Lady of the Rosary, an Italian National Parish in San Diego's Little Italy, for example holds a Christmas play involving young parishioners dressed up as the Holy Family reenacting the first Christmas, then would sing Christmas carols before the final Midnight Mass.

Christmas Carols at Our Lady of the Rosary:

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary:

3.) Presepi

For the Presepi, or for Americans the traditional Manger or Nativity Scene, according to The Proud Italian, "Italians take pride in the amount of love and detail they put into all things creative. When it comes to building their own unique versions of the Nativity Scene, this is no different. They combine the traditional scene and add their own personal twists into their creation by adding Ferrari’s, football players, and a variety of other 'Italian things.' Not only are these masterpieces called presepi all individual and very personal. They are also created by their makers using all sorts of materials, including pasta and nuts, to name a few." You may want to personalize your American Nativity Scene in some way to imitate an Italian Presepi.

4.) La Befana! Italians have the story of La Befana, the Christmas Witch. According to The Proud Italian, "Christmas gifts to the children in Italy are believed to be given by the ever searching, good-hearted witch called La Befana. The legend goes that she was asked by the shepherds to accompany them on their journey to visit the baby Jesus. Apparently, she declined due to having had too many house chores to complete. It is said that she later had a change of heart and followed suit. She is believed to still be searching for this child today, and leaves gifts for the kids, wherever she goes along in her journey. To find out more about this magnificent and mysterious woman, read our La Befana Article." In addition to Santa, try telling the story of La Befana as well, it just makes the holiday that more fun and culturally diverse.

5.) Music

Of course, your choice of music is subjective and either way you'll have some Christmas songs playing. But try listening to Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli, and Dean Martin just to name a few old Italian American favorites, or to actual Italian Christmas music in Italian.

6.) Food

Next to Jesus Christ and family, food is the next important thing at Christmas time to Italians of course! Many Italian American families eat traditional American Christmas dishes, but, like in Thanksgiving, add something Italian to the table, usually a pasta dish like lasagna. Desserts of course include Italian cookies, cannoli, and such. Try adding something "Italian" to your Christmas dinner and dessert!

Panettone, an Italian type of sweet bread with a cupola shape, is also an Italian Christmas food tradition some families have. You can learn more about it here and here.

In addition, some families still celebrate The Feast of the Seven Fishes. Eataly.com says this about this "Italian tradition":

"Typically, the family gathers around a feast of seven different seafood dishes or one or two different types of fish prepared in seven different ways.

"Despite its popularity among Americans, many Italians do not even know about the tradition — or its origin. Surprised? The answer can be found in the biodiversity of Italy: the country boasts so many differences between the north and south.

"...The ancient tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic custom of abstinence from meat and dairy products on the eve of certain holidays, including Christmas. The number seven is rooted back in ancient times and it can be connected to multiple Catholic symbols: in fact, the seven seems repeated more than 700 times in the Bible. Also, according to the Roman Catholic Church, seven are the sacraments, the days of the Creation, as well as the deadly sins. Hence seven courses!

"Flash forward to the early 1900s, when the official "Feast of the Seven Fishes" first emerged. Italian-American families rekindled the Old Country's Christmas Eve tradition by preparing a seven-course seafood meal (hence the name of the newly found tradition) that both made them feel close to their homes, while celebrating the sea, a major connection in Italy. Today, it's considered one of the oldest Italian traditions — but we give America credit for that!"

If you have the time and energy and feel adventurous, why not have a meal of seven types of different seafood dishes and celebrate The Feast of the Seven Fishes for Christmas?

7.) Family togetherness....crowded and loud!

The most important part of Christmas is in fact celebrating the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but next to that is the gathering with family....or people we consider family. Why not make it a crowded one? Oh sure, because of covid now you might want to keep it smaller and have some social distancing, but that's not typically easy for Italians! Even if it has to be outdoors, I suggest having a big gathering of "family" and make sure, like any Italians, they talk loud and use their hands a lot! You non-Italians can watch and learn! lol

8.) Honorable Mention: Visit a Little Italy at Christmastime

Though not easy for everyone, I suggest visiting a Little Italy neighborhood at Christmastime. On the West Coast we have North Beach in San Francisco, Little Italy San Jose , Little Italy in San Diego, and now a "Little Italy" in LA (in San Pedro) and in Sacramento! Normally these neighborhoods, like any American neighborhood, would be decorated very festively for Christmas and other holidays and be bustling with holiday shopping and food, and sometimes even with events and activities like the Christmas Village and Tree Lighting in San Diego (Video of 2019) (2021 flyer).

Well, that's it, that's what I have found through some quick research and from family memories on ideas on how to make Christmas "Italian American." If there is anything I left out or if I made any mistakes, please let me know (respectfully) in the comments, and feel free to share how your own family and friends celebrate Christmas! Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!

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