Last June 1st, the Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California celebrated one of the most important recurrences of the year, the Italian Republic Day. They met at Casa Italiana for a gala dinner that brought together over a hundred guests, evidently proud of reuniting for such an important occasion.

A cocktail hour welcomed the guests before the beginning of the program. Master of Ceremony Mr Robert Barbera, also publisher of L'Italo- Americano and Past President of the Federated, introduced the first two special guests, LA City Councilman John Buscaino, and the Consul General of Italy Giuseppe Perrone, who opened the evening affirming the importance of recognizing the value of the Italian community in Los Angeles and its commitment for the preservation of the Italian heritage.

Before the beginning of the celebration, Consul General Perrone asked for one minute of silence to commemorate the victims of the earthquake that only a week before had stricken Italy.
Entertained by the music of Duo Domino, guests enjoyed a traditional dinner served by Eastside Market, before honoring the two main guests of the evening. For their important commitment to the Italian community, Mr. Ugo Mamolo and Mrs. Ada Iezza were honored as Man and Woman of the Year during the ceremony.

Born in Trieste in 1936, Ugo Mamolo started learning the art of making artisanal pastries when he was only 15. Like many others, he moved to the United States after the Second World War, in 1962; here he opened his first pastry shop in Brentwood. The quality of his products is well renown and there are today 15 of those pastry shops all over Los Angeles, most of them located in Gelson Markets.

Mamolo has remained much attached to Italy, and he has been a very active member in the Italian community in the US. He became member and President of La Fameja Veneta, member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce, COM.IT.ES and of the Masonic Lodge in Santa Monica, and President of Rotary Club. For his important contribution, a few years ago, the Italian Government has honored him with the prestigious title of Cavaliere.

Mrs Ada Iezza, original from Campobasso, moved to the US with her family when she was 18. For over fourteen years she worked as an artist at the Franciscan Ceramic Factory, and attended the Glendale Community College to study Business Communication. She has always been an active member of the local Italian community, joining St. Peter's Church, The Family of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Saint Padre Pio Society, Branch 67 of the ICF, the Italian Woman's Club, the Abruzzesi and Molisani Club, as well as the Federated Italo- Americans.

She is also known for providing gorgeous gowns for the queens of the many societies thriving within the church. Her passion and dedication to the Italian community is much admired by everyone.
Despite the sad note of the earthquake, that however made the community feel even closer, this was a joyful occasion to celebrate Italy and some of its best representatives. The Federated did, as always, a good job reuniting Italians in Los Angeles for such a special day.

fonte: L'Italo-Americano