I am an Italian By Dr. David Mercaldo I am an Italian and I am many things! I am history, philosophy, education, culture and literacy. I am exploration and discovery, science and invention. I am mathematics, music and art, government and law, Yes...I am Italian and I am many things! I am the hand of Michelangelo - painting and sculpting mankind for time and eternity. I am the voice of Enrico Caruso and Mario Lanza - I am the heart of Maria Montessori - reaching out to the oppressed. I am the inventions of Leonardo DaVinci - The jusrist prudence of Anton Scalia - The courage of Verranzano - I am the mind of Gugliemo Marconi - I touch the future. I am the song of Arturo Toscanini and Giuseppe Verdi - scoring music borrowed from the angels above. I am the courage of Giuseppe Garibaldi - willing to stand alone. I am the plans of Galileo - believing what others cannot see. I am ther brush of Constantino Brumidi - The resolve of Christopher Columbus - I am the strength of the Santa Maria - The diplomacy of Fiorello LaGuardia. The tenacity of Rocky Marciano - The baton of Guy Lombardo - I am the endurance of Joe DiMaggio - The intellect of Enrico Fermi - The strategies of Vince Lombardi - The humor of Jimmy Durante - The determination of Brian Piccolo - I am the leadership of Rudy Giuliani - I am many things - Yes, I am an Italian and as God gives me breath - I will cherish my heritage. I will live with purpose and my character will be above reproach. I will do things that will bring pride to my family and country that I might follow in the steps of those who have come before me! Copyright 2005 USA by David Mercaldo First Published in L'ISOLA BELLA The author is a member of the William C. La Morte Lodge of the Sons of Italy