Welcome to Rome!

As we planned for the Wright Administration, one of the easiest decisions was selecting Italy as the destination for our overseas trip! My great-grandfather, Carlo Bucci, immigrated to the United States from the Campobasso Province in the 1870s. After he arrived in America, he changed his name from Carlo Bucci to Charles Walter Smith. My grandmother—who introduced me to the world of genealogy—was so proud that her father was Italian, and together we explored our Italian heritage. My great-grandfather played in bands in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and for a short time he played in the band of John Philip Sousa, composer of “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” In addition, this year marks the 250th anniversary of Filippo Mazzei’s first visit to Virginia, where he formed great ties of friendship with Thomas Jefferson and influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence. I am delighted to explore this beautiful country with my fellow Daughters and to celebrate the ties between Italy and the United States.

-Pamela Wright, President General

The relationship between the United States and Italy spans centuries, and today, more than 20 million Americans—including our President General—proudly claim their Italian heritage. During the American Revolution, while there was no unified Italian nation, Italian citizens aided and supported the fight for Independence. Daughters participating in the Wright Administration’s Roman Holiday will have a chance to recognize and honor Italians such as Filippo Mazzei, who acted as a secret dealer to purchase arms for Virginia during the American Revolution and would later promote the ideals of the Revolution alongside his dear friend, Thomas Jefferson.

We ended the day with a very special reception at which we were joined by the United States Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, Jack Markell. Ambassador Markell was just confirmed this past September, and we are so appreciative that his busy schedule allowed him to join us in Rome. Ambassador Markell brought greetings and was presented with a DAR Commemorative Bowl and NSDAR Medal of Appreciation as a token of our appreciation for his service to our nation.

We were also fortunate to be joined by the Honorable Deborah Bergamini, member of the Italian Parliament, Chamber of Deputies, who shared special memories of her personal relationship with the United States, including her scholarship to Smith College. Our special guest, Massimo Balzi, President of the Filippo Mazzei Club, joined us in honoring Ambassador Markell by presenting him with a special portrait of Filippo Mazzei, whom we will honor with a special wreath-laying later this week.  We were also thrilled to have Mr. Umberto Mucci, CEO of “We the Italians” with us as well; “We The Italians” profiled our President General and her Italian heritage earlier this year. The President General presented the NSDAR Medal of Appreciation to all three special guests in recognition of their support of US-Italian relations.