07/09/1916
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"It has been a matter of pride with us that so many men of Italian origin were in our own armies."
"we are friends of these people and it is our duty as their friends to see to it that some kind of protection is thrown around them."
"It is a distinction which I am sure you are conferring upon me as the representative of the great people for whom I speak."
"I have been very much touched by the generous terms of the address which you have just read."