U.S. Ambassador Tilman J. Fertitta will launch a months-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on June 13, embarking on the Freedom 250 Coastal Diplomacy Italy initiative. Through this ambitious journey, he will connect personally with communities along Italy’s coastline.The ambassador will host a series of events aboard his yacht, Boardwalk, highlighting the enduring partnership between the United States and Italy as allies, economic partners and close friends.“I look forward to meeting Italians across the country to celebrate the connections that have linked our nations for generations. It is a great way to celebrate 250 years of our independence while Italy also celebrates 80 years of the Republic,” Ambassador Fertitta said. “This is the story of everything that connects us beyond the headlines. That includes the story of my own Italian roots in Cefalù.” US Ambassador Tilman J. Fertitta During the voyage, Ambassador Fertitta will meet local communities, business leaders and public officials in Italy’s coastal regions. The program will also feature cultural events and Freedom 250 celebrations designed to strengthen the longstanding bonds between Italy and the United States. “This is a perfect opportunity to promote American innovation and commerce, and strengthen our cultural bonds, while celebrating the extraordinary partnership between our countries,” he said. Beginning in the port of Civitavecchia, the ambassador plans to visit at least 13 Italian regions by sea, hosting multiple events in some locations. “As we look back with pride on our own 250 years, we will be visiting and appreciating Italian regions whose history stretches back more than a thousand years and inspired our own,” he said. The itinerary includes stops in Naples, where he will meet local officials and business leaders, and in Palermo and Cefalù, where he will celebrate his Sicilian heritage and the deep family ties linking the United States and Italy. The program will also include cities on the Adriatic coast, including Venice and Trieste, home to one of Italy’s three American Corners. Additional visits are planned along the Ligurian coast, including Genoa, birthplace of the explorer Christopher Columbus. The voyage is expected to conclude in Sardinia in mid-August. Freedom 250 is a global commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Throughout the year-long celebration, the United States is engaging partners around the world to mark a shared history and common values. Ambassador Fertitta will personally fund the voyage of the Boardwalk as part of the Freedom 250 celebrations. Additional details about the program and future visits to Italy’s coastal regions will be announced in the coming months.

U.S. Ambassador Tilman J. Fertitta will launch a months-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on June 13, embarking on the Freedom 250 Coastal Diplomacy Italy initiative. Through this ambitious journey, he will connect personally with communities along Italy’s coastline.The ambassador will host a series of events aboard his yacht, Boardwalk, highlighting the enduring partnership between the United States and Italy as allies, economic partners and close friends.“I look forward to meeting Italians across the country to celebrate the connections that have linked our nations for generations. It is a great way to celebrate 250 years of our independence while Italy also celebrates 80 years of the Republic,” Ambassador Fertitta said. “This is the story of everything that connects us beyond the headlines. That includes the story of my own Italian roots in Cefalù.”
US Ambassador Tilman J. Fertitta During the voyage, Ambassador Fertitta will meet local communities, business leaders and public officials in Italy’s coastal regions. The program will also feature cultural events and Freedom 250 celebrations designed to strengthen the longstanding bonds between Italy and the United States. “This is a perfect opportunity to promote American innovation and commerce, and strengthen our cultural bonds, while celebrating the extraordinary partnership between our countries,” he said. Beginning in the port of Civitavecchia, the ambassador plans to visit at least 13 Italian regions by sea, hosting multiple events in some locations. “As we look back with pride on our own 250 years, we will be visiting and appreciating Italian regions whose history stretches back more than a thousand years and inspired our own,” he said. The itinerary includes stops in Naples, where he will meet local officials and business leaders, and in Palermo and Cefalù, where he will celebrate his Sicilian heritage and the deep family ties linking the United States and Italy. The program will also include cities on the Adriatic coast, including Venice and Trieste, home to one of Italy’s three American Corners. Additional visits are planned along the Ligurian coast, including Genoa, birthplace of the explorer Christopher Columbus. The voyage is expected to conclude in Sardinia in mid-August. Freedom 250 is a global commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Throughout the year-long celebration, the United States is engaging partners around the world to mark a shared history and common values. Ambassador Fertitta will personally fund the voyage of the Boardwalk as part of the Freedom 250 celebrations. Additional details about the program and future visits to Italy’s coastal regions will be announced in the coming months.