Mario Andretti received this award in recognition of his remarkable career, good character and commitment to his Italian heritage. The award is considered a great honor. “ |
New York, NY, October 24, 2006 – A beaming Mario Andretti received the Commendatore dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana last night in honor of his public service and achievements as a race car driver and his enduring commitment to his Italian heritage.
The Commendatore, as it is less formally known, was presented by Italy’s Consul General to New York, Antonio Bandini, on behalf of Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Republic of Italy. The ceremony was held in New York City at the Columbus Citizens Foundation. Andretti had been the Grand Marshal of the Foundation’s 2004 Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue.
Visibly moved by the ceremony, Andretti, 66 years old, said, “The first thing that came to my mind when I officially heard that I would receive this award was about my father, Gigi [Alvise], and the pride he would have felt, and my mother, Rina, and I know that tonight they invited St. Peter to join them for a cup of grappa.” Grappa is an Italian brandy.
The ceremony was introduced by Lawrence Auriana, chairman of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, a sports car racing aficionado and good friend of Andretti. “I have been a fan of Mario Andretti’s since 1966, when he won his first pole position at the Indianapolis 500. Over time, I came to realize that he was not only a great driver but a great gentleman, one who was equally gracious in victory and defeat. It is a pleasure to see this great Italian American receive an honor from the Italian government in recognition of Mario’s remarkable career and good character, which have reinforced a positive image of Italians and Italian Americans throughout the world.”
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