FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

** Mayor Daley Proclaims May 15, 2002 “De Pinedo Day” ** (WASHINGTON, DC– May 13, 2002), The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) joins the Consulate General of Italy, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the Italian Trade Commission, the Italian Government Tourist Board, the City of Chicago, and other Italian American organizations to celebrate and commemorate on Wednesday, May 15, 2002, the 75th anniversary of the first international flight to the United States of Francesco De Pinedo, the first foreign aviator to arrive in the United States.

De Pinedo was the first European pilot to reach America by landing his hydroplane on the waters near Chicago’s Navy Pier via New Orleans, his first stop. It was not for another month that he arrived in Chicago on May 15, 1927.

The celebration will begin with the opening of a major exhibition of vintage memorabilia and posters entitled, “Wings of Italy.” In honor of this historic event, Mayor Richard M. Daley will proclaim May 15, 2002 “De Pinedo Day,” in honor of the “Italian Lindbergh,” Francesco de Pinedo. More than forty Italian art posters and other artifacts will showcase the golden age of Italian aviation.

Guests of honor at a gala reception and exhibition opening include, Mayor Daley, Ferdinando Salleo, the Italian ambassador to the U.S., Enrico Granara, the consul general of Italy in Chicago, and Gene Farina, NIAF regional vice president. Prominent dignitaries from Chicago’s Italian arts and media community will also attend the event. The cocktail reception will begin at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Richard J. Daley Civic Center, 50 West Washington St.

The exhibition will open to the public at noon on May 15th and will feature a lecture by renowned historian, Professor Gregory Alegi, entitled “Francesco De Pinedo: an Italian Lindbergh?” The exhibition is located at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura; 500 N. Michigan Avenue, suite #1450 and is open between the hours of 9am- 1pm and 2pm- 5pm. The exhibition runs through June 15, 2002. For information on the exhibits, contact Francesca Valente at (312) 832-4052(312) 832-4052.