I'm An American Day 1941 -- Fiorello LaGuardia
Scope and Content
On May 18, 1941 at 4:00PM, New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia hosted I’m An American Day on the Mall in New York City’s Central Park. The jubilant mayor goes on to introduce COL “Fighting” Phil Donovan to the thousands of citizens gathered in celebration. COL Donovan explains to native-born citizens why they should be proud to be Americans. He points out eating breakfast, assuming public school is competent and free thought as daily activities that are taken for granted. COL Donovan states Americans are privileged to look forward to the future without fear. The decorated veterans warns America is in danger because of the war happening in Europe. He adds modern warfare can happen spiritually. Therefore, Americans need to be prepared mentally and spiritually to do what is necessary. I’m An American Day ends with Rabbi Stephen Wise reading a scripture.
Note(s)
More information about Fiorello LaGuardia: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fiorello-H-La-Guardia https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/fiorello-laguardia https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/1211.html http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=l000007 https://www.biography.com/people/fiorello-la-guardia-9371430 More information about I’M AN AMERICAN: https://www.uscis.gov/history-and-genealogy/our-history/historians-mailbox/im-american https://www.npr.org/2017/10/16/557338355/im-an-american-radio-show-promoted-inclusion-before-world-war-ii Bio: Fiorello LaGuardia (b. Fiorello Enrico LaGuardia) was born on December 11, 1882 in New York City to Jewish parents. After his father’s death, he and his family moved to his mother’s hometown in Trieste, Italy. A superb linguist, Fiorello earned his first government post in the American consulate in Budapest and Fiume. He returned to the United States in 1906 and began work as a interpreter for the U.S. Immigration Service. Fiorello was admitted to the bar in 1910 after graduating from New York University. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1916, but his term was interrupted when he served as a pilot during WW. He returned to Congress opposing prohibition and supporting child-labour laws. LaGuardia was elected the mayor of New York in 1933. LaGuardia was one of Hitler’s most outspoken opponents. He earned a national reputation as an honest and nonpartisan reformer dedicated to civic improvement. He became known as “The Little Flower” in token of his first name and his colorful personality.
Genre
- Radio broadcasts.
- Recorded Sound