On behalf of the United States Government and the American people, I congratulate the Italian people on the 74^th Anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic. More than 20 million Americans, including myself, can trace their roots back to Italy, and Italian-Americans have made important contributions to every facet of American life. 

I fondly remember the hospitality of the Italian people during my trip to Italy in October 2019.  I especially appreciated the warm welcome I received when visiting my family’s ancestral home in the town of Pacentro, where my grandfather was born. As close allies and friends, the relationship between the United States and Italy is wide-ranging, with cooperation ranging from trade and defense to educational and cultural exchanges.