Italian Ambassador to the United States, Marco Peronaci, and Rosie Rios, Chair of the Committee for the Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the American Declaration of Independence, signed a memorandum of understanding at Villa Firenze to formalize collaboration between Italy and the United States on joint initiatives linked to the 250th anniversary of American independence. "Italy intends to celebrate the significant anniversary of 2026 and the enduring friendship that unites us with the United States by actively engaging in next year's celebrations through an 'Italian program': a series of events and initiatives designed to underscore the contributions of our nation and the Italian-American community to the development of the United States' identity, spanning from the history of emigration to achievements in cultural, scientific, and social domains", stated the ambassador. The first event will take place in January, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Italy-United States Memorandum for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, which was renewed in Rome a few days ago. Numerous initiatives and events will encompass music—featuring the participation of Maestro Gianandrea Noseda, Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) in Washington—as well as film and science, including comprehensive examinations of pivotal figures in the path to American independence, such as Filippo Mazzei. The highlight will be an exhibition of Roman statues dedicated to Emperor Trajan and the lasting impact of Roman civilization on the contemporary world. These projects will be carried out in partnership with numerous organizations, including the National Italian American Foundation.