A New Jersey club, the Amerigo Vespucci Society, will celebrate the United States' 250th birthday aboard the Italian naval vessel named in honor of the explorer Amerigo Vespucci. The 331-foot tall ship is part of the Sail4th 250 celebration and will be in New York Harbor.
Joe Valentino, a board member of the Long Branch-based society, initiated efforts to secure a visit for the club members. After facing challenges, Valentino enlisted the help of former FBI Director Louis Freeh, a friend and frequent visitor to Valentino's eatery in Spring Lake, New Jersey.
Freeh, who led the FBI during the Clinton administration, contacted Joe Guccione, a former U.S. Marshal and board member of the National Italian American Association. Guccione then reached out to the Consulate General of Italy, facilitating the arrangement.
Pasquale Perrotta, the Italian Navy's attaché to the United States and Canada, confirmed in an email on June 4 that the Amerigo Vespucci Society would have 30 guests aboard the 96-year-old ship on July 6. The vessel is scheduled to be docked at Pier 86 in Hell's Kitchen.
"This might be the biggest moment ever in the 151-year history of our club," said Valentino, 74. "We are all ecstatic."
Valentino conceived the idea six months prior after seeing a news report about the "Amerigo Vespucci" vessel's return to the U.S. for the America 250 festivities. The ship previously crossed the Atlantic for "Operation Sail" during the 1976 Bicentennial celebration.
The society, described as the oldest Italian American mutual-aid society in the U.S., will receive an exclusive tour and participate in a small ceremony. Attendees will include Long Branch Mayor John Pallone, who will present a proclamation from the city, and members of the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission and Monmouth County officials.
The Amerigo Vespucci Society plans to present the ship's crew with a plaque reading, "From one Amerigo Vespucci to another – with pride gratitude and admiration. Though separated by ocean, we are united by a common name, a shared heritage, and an enduring commitment to the values of Italy." Perrotta expressed humility, calling it a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace part of our history."
Amerigo Vespucci is historically credited as the first European to recognize the Americas as a separate continent. The term "America" was first used on a 1507 world map, derived from a Latinized version of his first name.
Freeh, who holds dual U.S. and Italian citizenship, may also attend the event if his schedule permits. However, he is unable to join the Amerigo Vespucci Society due to its bylaws, which require members to have Italian last names. Valentino noted, "He would love to, but he can't because we are old school."
The Italian naval tall ship Amerigo Vespucci is known for its traditional sail training and educational missions. Its participation in the America 250 celebrations highlights historical connections between Italy and the United States.