The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-05-24

delegations from twenty Italian American clubs of this city, the re- gently organized Italian Legion re- membered the historical anniversary of Italy's entry in the world conflict on May 24, 1915 or the redemption of its 100000 subjects then under Austrian rule and including Trento, Trieste, Istria and Dalmatia. Rev. Father Giuseppe Valdambrini was the first speaker and paid homage to Italy's heroes in the World war, National Commander Daniel D'Alle- sandre of Hartford, State Comman- der D'AlleSSandre of this city spoke of the large percentage and valor shown by Italian boys in the Amer ican army during the World war. They exortde members of the Legion to carry on in peace time the high ideal for which they fought and al- ways be on guard to guaranty the peace of the world.
 William T. Harrington, senior vice commander of Corp. Coyle post, American Legion and city editor of the Waterbury Democrat spoke on the need for comradeship among all World war veterans. He expressed his interest for the problems of the Italians and recalled the part played by Italy in the great conflict, and hoped for continued friendship be- tween America and Italy.
 Tribute to Heroes
 Commander Major Michael Galul- To who was the principal English speaker, expressed his wonder as to what would have been the outcome of the conflict had Italy chosen to take sides with Germany, and gave credit to the Italian victory at Vit- torio Veneto, the greatest victory in the World war, which precipitated the Italian Austrian armistice on November 1, 1918 for the quick vic- toriouS conclusion of the war. He spoke at length on Italy's deception at the Treaty of Versailles and her part in civilization.
 He also paid tribute to Ita!y's war heroes as well as th0 heroes of all wars who gave their lives in their devotion to their country.
 De PaStin0's Address
 National Commander John De Pastino who was the principal Ital- ian speaker gave brief historical account of the sacrifices made by Italian heroes in many wars for the unity and freedom of the Italian race. Particular mention was made of the martyr Cesare Bat.isti, an Italian deputy from the city of Trent who deserted Austria at the out break of the World war and ap- peared before the Italian parliament to invoke Italy's intervention in the conflict for the liberation of Qtalia Irredenta) unredeemed Italy. He re- minded the audience that veterans alone, having witnessed the horrors of war were qualified to render prop CT tribute to their fallen comrades. He recalled the expressed or implied pledge made by every surviving sol- dier to carry on the ideals for which their comrades fell. Particular praise was given to the members of the To- cal Italian Legion for their activities in the local community during the last five years. He told the audience that their work could be better ap- preciated if we could subtract from our midst their accomplishments and then would find ourselves in the condition of disrniity and disrespect in which we were prior to June 1, 1882. He pledged his undivided sup port to the Italian Legionaires who have given all and are asking for nothing for themselves and asserted that they are the only local group qualified to represent the ideals for which their comrades fell. He re- minded them that it is also the duty of the veterans to pay tribute i to the heroes of the enemy countries during the conflict, because they too fell in devotion to their country and for cause they thought sacred.
 Commander of the Italian Legion. Umberto Santopietro, one of the youngest Italian World war veterans, ] who was chairman of the event act cd as master of ceremonies. He