Philip Mazzei, Poggio-a-Caiano, Italy |
Many of the heroes of the American Revolution were foreign-born and raised, and fought side-by-side with American colonists against the English. Historians have long recorded with interest the contributions of German, French, Polish, Italian, and other nationals who fought and died on behalf of the cause of America’s liberty.
The sites associated with their lives have interest to a broad swath of Americans today. The Commission was directed by Congress to conduct a preliminary survey of such places, and produced a report identifying 22 important places.
The Commission completed a project to remember one of these heroes in his hometown. In 2008, the Commission funded a plaque to commemorate Philip Mazzei in his birthplace, of Poggio-a-Caiano, Italy. The funds for this plaque were provided by Commission Member Tyrone Fahner and the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit. The project was an initiative of New York State Supreme Court Justice Dominic R. Massaro.
