§1 - C.36:2-39

§2 - Note to §1


P.L. 1996, Joint Resolution No. 3, approved June 20, 1996

Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution

 Nos. 7 and 16

 

A Joint Resolution designating the week ending October 12 of every year as Italian-American History and Heritage Week.

 

Whereas, The history of America and the State of New Jersey have been significantly influenced by the rich heritage of Italy; and

Whereas, The cultural heritage of Italy includes the classical civilization of Rome, the fine arts of the Renaissance, the scientific and artistic genius of Leonardo Da Vinci, the literary works of Dante and Petrarch, the operas of Verdi and Puccini and many other contributions that have enriched civilization; and

Whereas, Over 5.4 million Italians emigrated to the United States between the years 1820 and 1991; and

Whereas, Over 2 million New Jerseyans are of Italian descent, according to the 1990 U.S. Census; and

Whereas, Italian-Americans have made many contributions to the history of the United States and New Jersey; and

Whereas, The voyages of the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus brought together the civilizations of Europe and the Americas; and

Whereas, Columbus' first contact with the New World in 1492 is celebrated as a State and federal holiday every year on the second Monday in October; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper to designate a week honoring the significant accomplishments and contributions of the Italian-American community by designating the week ending October 12 annually as Italian-American History and Heritage Week; and

Whereas, It is appropriate to encourage American history classes in this State to highlight the contributions which Italian-Americans have made throughout American history; now, therefore,

 

      Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

      1. The week ending on October 12 of every year is designated as Italian-American History and Heritage Week.

 

      2. The Governor and Legislature of the State of New Jersey encourage American history classes throughout the State to discuss and examine the contributions which Italian-Americans have made to the history of this country during Italian-American History and Heritage Week.

 

      3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

 

Designates week ending October 12 of every year as Italian-American History and Heritage Week.