On the recordFebruary 17, 2011
I rise today to talk about the American dream and honoring those who have not only embodied a pioneering spirit, but more specifically, one individual who inspired two nations through his passionate leadership, and through his dedication to family and pride in tradition. Italian-American Guiseppe Garibaldi lived and fought for the dream of creating his own destiny. All too often today we give little thought to the freedom of deciding who we are, to deciding what we want to be even how and where we raise a family and practice our faith. However, 150 years ago, these decisions meant the world to Mr. Garibaldi. Giuseppe Garibaldi was born in Nice, Italy, on July 4, 1807. In his early twenties, Mr. Garibaldi continued his family's coastal trade business and answered a call of duty to enlist in the military. At the age of 25, Garibaldi's budding leadership was recognized and he was commissioned as a merchant marine captain. Throughout Central and South America, he fought in independence struggles leading the Italian Legion. His success earned him the title 'Hero of Two Worlds' from the people of Italy and Uruguay.
