Former Adrian Mayor and State Senator Jim Berryman was honored with the award of: Knight in the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy. Doctor Maria Manca, Consul of Italy-Detroit cited Berryman’s work with the Italian and Italian-American Community in honoring the memory of the forgotten Italian victims of the 1901 Train Wreck of the Wabash.
Consul Manca stated in a press release; “It is with great pleasure that I inform you that upon our recommendation the President of the Republic of Italy has conferred upon you the award of “Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana” (Knight in the ‘Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy’).”
“You have distinguished yourself in your career and over these past years you have collaborated with this Consulate and the Italian and Italian- American Community in honoring the memory of the forgotten Italian victims of the 1901 Train Wreck of the Wabash,” said Consul Manca.
The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is awarded for merit acquired in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers. The Order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Republic of Italy. Investiture took place on Monday June 04, 2018 by Dr. Maria Manca, Consul of Italy in Detroit.
WLEN News asked Berryman what it feels like to receive this honor from the Italian Government, being an American citizen…
Of course there is a lengthy process to be nominated for this recognition, which makes it all the way to the top of the Italian Government…
Berryman thanks the Lenawee County community for their support in recognizing the victims of the 1901 Train Wreck of the Wabash.
Media in this post courtesy of Jim Berryman. Tune into our local and state newscasts, anytime day or night, for this story and more.
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