Pelosi Receives the American Society of Italian Legions of Merit Gold Medal Award

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi received at American Society of Italian Legions of Merit Gold Medal award from Justice Dominic Massaro, President of the society, this afternoon in the U.S. Capitol.  The Speaker was also joined at the ceremony by Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta.

The award is presented to heads of state, heads of government, and principalities of internationally-recognized entities.  The Gold Medal was presented to President Giorgio Napolitano in September 2007 in Rome, President George W. Bush in 2006 at the White House, and President Carlo Ciampi in 2005.

"When I received the Cavalieri di Gran Croce, that was a wonderful thrill and now to receive this award, which has been given to the President of Italy and the President of the United States," Speaker Pelosi said today.  "I'm honored to join in that company in receiving this award.  We're so honored once again to have the Italian American Ambassador in our office. He wanted to spend as much time with us as possible before he returned."

While in Italy for the G-8 conference last weekend, Speaker Pelosi toured the city of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region that was devastated by an earthquake in April.  Pelosi was joined on the tour by President of the Italian Assembly, Gianfranco Fini.

"And to receive this award just hours after I attended the G-8 meeting in Italy and toured the earthquake zone in Abruzzo…I just remember a wonderful tie between America and bella Italia."