In 2010, Chet Campanella began an important fight for Italian Americans in his home state of California. This year, at 85 years old, he's taken it all the way to the United States Congress. Ever since he witnessed firsthand the appalling treatment and internment of Italian Americans during World War II, Campanella has dedicated himself to informing Americans about what happened.

Campanella worked alongside Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren of California to introduce two bills to the United States House of Representatives. One provides for funds from the Department of Education to study the mistreatment of Italian Americans during World War II. The other asks for an official apology from Congress—an apology that's long overdue. Every member and every group, no matter your affiliation or political leaning, should work together to support this legislation. This is about being Italian American. This is about receiving the recognition we deserve. Please join us and support H.R. 4146 and H.R. 4147. Sign the Change.org Petition HERE.

We also urge you to contact your representative and ask them to support or co-sponsor H.R. 4146 and 4147. You can find the name and address of your Representative HERE.

To read more about Campanella's fight and Italian American internment, CLICK HERE for the article that appeared in the Spring 2016 issue of Ambassador Magazine.

The National Italian American Foundation