Substitute for House Resolution No. 165.

            A resolution to declare October 2017 as Italian-American Heritage Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, In October of 1492, a three ship expedition lead by Christopher Columbus reached the shores of what he named San Salvador (now in the Bahamas). This voyage brought forth a new era of exploration and discovery in the New World. The American continents are named after an Italian, the explorer and geographer Amerigo Vespucci. As Columbus may have set forth his expedition under a Spanish flag, it is his Italian ancestry which is celebrated to this day; and

            Whereas, Italian-Americans have defended the liberty and integrity of the United States since the Revolutionary War. Two of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence, William Paca and Caesar Rodney, as well as Filippo Mazzei, were believed to have been of Italian decent; and

            Whereas, An estimated 5.5 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 2004. Today, there are over 18 million Americans of Italian descent in the United States, making them the fourth largest ethnic group; and

            Whereas, Italian-Americans have and continue to make important contributions to the state of Michigan and our local communities. The bonds between the United States of America, the state of Michigan, and the Italian Republic have never been stronger; be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 2017 as Italian-American Heritage Month in the state of Michigan; and be it  further

            Resolved, That the House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the history and heritage of Columbus Day; and be it further

            Resolved That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the state of Michigan.