There was no shortage of pomp and circumstance — both Italian and American — when dignitaries and invited guests gathered on Wednesday, July 3, to welcome the Amerigo Vespucci tall ship to the L.A. Waterfront’s Outer Harbor in San Pedro.
Sailors from both countries participated in the festivities next to the nearly 100-year-old tall ship, which will be open for public tours (with reservations) through July 8, along with land-side Italian-themed activities and exhibits.
The ship arrived on Tuesday and was schedule to open to the public the following day.
But first there was the inaugural ceremony, marking the latest stop on the ship’s world tour, which began in 2023 and will continue through early 2025.
“This is not an easy ship” to handle, said Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, who was instrumental in arranging the ambitious and often difficult tour.
It took the skill of handling a vessel that has none of the modern technology to rely on, he said.
Guido paid tribute to the long friendship between the American and Italian people and nations, harkening back to the days of World War II.
Americans, he said, sacrificed their own lives “defending the freedom of Italy and Europe.” He referred to the U.S. and Italy as “two great nations.”
He ended his talk with calls of “Viva la Italia! Viva la Amerigo Vespucci! Viva la United States!”
Most of the speakers during the hourlong ceremony spoke in their native language; ongoing translations were provided through devices handed out to guests when they arrived.
The historic ship’s stop off the coast of Los Angeles will also offer an Italian village, with exhibitions dedicated to Italian design history; the country’s wine heritage; a “roots” exhibition dedicated to Italians abroad and Italian descendants wishing to reconnect with their origins; a “We are the Sea” photographic exhibition highlighting the beauty of Italian seas; a look at business and the Italian economic model;…
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