Basil M. Russo, in his capacity as president of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO), wrote the First Lady in July requesting that she host an event to celebrate her Italian heritage and honor the 18 million Americans of Italian descent. On Sept. 25, the First Lady agreed and graciously invited a large delegation of COPOMIAO leaders to the White House.

This is a precedent-setting moment, as this is the first time in history that the White House has ever hosted an event celebrating Italian American Heritage Month. “We are extremely grateful to the First Lady for creating this wonderful event that will allow us to focus national attention on the many exceptional contributions Italian Americans have made to our great country,” said Russo, who also serves as national president of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA).