"The first line of our UNICO NATIONAL Mission Statement reads: “To promote and enhance the image of Italian Americans.” Our Highland Beach Chapter, in the name of Italian Americans, has and will continue to support our local and scholarship programs, the music therapy program at St. Mary’s Medical Center and local food charities. But this year is unique! Our image is under attack. This presents us with a more global challenge, where we, as an organization and its members must rise up to PROMOTE and PROTECT the image of Italians as Americans. Our Italian heritage and its past contributions are now under a violent attack from those who would lie about and destroy that heritage. One of my goals this year will be to work with UNICO National and local entities to insure our heritage is truthfully defended, while we continue our vibrant past local initiatives."