Washington DC (May 1, 2013) – REP. WILLIAM PASCRELL, JR. (D-NJ) and REP. PATRICK TIBERI (R-OH) will be conferred the Order of merit of the Republic of Italy in a ceremony officiated by Italian Ambassador to the U.S. Claudio Bisogniero at Villa Firenze, Washington DC, on May 22, 2013.

The event, included in the official program of the "2013 Year of Italian Culture in the US" campaign, will honor the careers of the two Congressmen whose contributions are distinguished also by their consummate dedication and constancy to strengthening the relations at all levels between Italy and the United States.

WHEN: May 22, 2013 (6:30pm to 8:30pm)

WHERE: Villa Firenze, Official residence of the Ambassador of Italy to the United States (2800 Albemarle Street, NW – Washington, DC)

MEDIA ACCREDITATION: Please, contact Mr. Andrea Sandre at [email protected] (or by phone: 202-612-4446)

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ABOUT THE ORDER OF MERIT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ITALY: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Merit_of_the_Italian_Republic

ABOUT 2013 YEAR OF ITALIAN CULTURE: Held under the auspices of the President of the Italian Republic and organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Italy in Washington, the initiative boasts over 200 cultural events in more than 50 U.S. cities. Over 80 U.S. institutions and organizations are actively involved with a genuine spirit of partnership and cooperation.

For more information: www.italyinus2013.org/en

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalyInUs2013

On Twitter: #2013ItalianYear