TO DECLARE OCTOBER 13, 2015 "ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE ITALIAN AMERICANS FOR THEIR MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR STATE AND NATION.

Whereas, since our nation's inception and throughout our history, more than five million brave men, women, and children from Italy made the journey to America looking for freedom and opportunity; and

Whereas, today there are more than twenty-six million Americans of Italian descent living in the United States, which makes them the fifth largest ethnic group in the country; and

Whereas, as South Carolinians, we find it important to recognize the determinations and achievements of Italians in our State during the month of October; and

Whereas, Italian Americans have helped shape and develop our nation and play a vital role in the political, social, and economic system of our State; and

Whereas, coinciding with Columbus Day, October 13, 2015 is hereby declared "Italian American Heritage Day" in South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate, by this resolution, declare October 13, 2015 "Italian American Heritage Day" in South Carolina and recognize Italian Americans for their many contributions to our State and Nation.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Sons of Italy of America.