The Sons of Italy Foundation held yesterday its 24th National Education and Leadership Gala at the National Building Museum. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton received the Special Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service. General Peter Pace, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff received the 2012 Sons of Italy Foundation Award for Courage and
Patriotism. “I stand before you 100 percent American and 100 percent proud of my Italian heritage,” said General Pace in accepting the award. Claudio Bozzo, President of the Mediterranean Shipping Company was honored with the Excellence in Business Award. Armand E. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer, of the Laborers’ International Union in North America, received the 2012 Humanitarian Award. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was the acclaimed actor Joe Mantegna. Popular tenor Michael Amante performed for the more than 700 guests. [to be updated]