AMHS PRESIDENT EMERITUS D’ANDREA AWARDED Order of The Star of Italy
By Maria D’Andrea-Yothers
The Ordine della Stella D’Italia awarded to Lucio D’Andrea
On Monday, February 25, AMHS President Emeritus Lucio D’Andrea was awarded the Ordine della Stella D’Italia (the Order of the Star of Italy) at a ceremony held at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, D.C. The Order of the Star of Italy honors Italians abroad who have acquired special merit in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries and the promotion of ties with Italy.
Activities that warrant recognition include the promotion of the Italian language, volunteering, charitable & philanthropic activities, and participation in community life of our communities abroad. The order is conferred by the President of the Republic of Italy on the advice of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Catherine Flumiani, Counselor and friend of the Society, recommended Lucio for the award. It was presented to him by Maurizio Greganti, Deputy Chief of Mission. The D’Andrea children are so very proud of their father, who is very deserving of this award. He has worked tirelessly to promote the Italian culture and language, forming three Italian heritage clubs (The Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society, the Italian Heritage Society at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax, Virginia, and the Nativity Italian Heritage & Cultural Society at the Nativity Catholic Church in Burke, Virginia), and working with the public school systems in Fairfax County and Prince William County, and the Embassy of Italy, to promote the Italian language.
Flavia Colombo, Assistant Director, Casa Italiana Language School/Ente Gestore, was also honored. Attending the ceremony were Lucio’s wife Edvige, his daughters Candida, Sandra, Laura, and son Paul; Nancy DeSanti, AMHS 1st Vice President; Maria Fusco, Director of Education, Embassy of Italy; Joe Lupo, President, Casa Italiana Language School (and AMHS member); and Father Ezio Marchetto, Pastor, Holy Rosary Church (also an AMHS member). ❚