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ENROLLED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 39
BY REPRESENTATIVES GLORIOSO, BACALA, BAYHAM, BOYER, CHENEVERT,
COX, FREEMAN, GALLE, ILLG, MIKE JOHNSON, MANDIE LANDRY,
MCMAKIN, MUSCARELLO, NEWELL, STAGNI, VENTRELLA, VILLIO, AND
WYBLE
A RESOLUTION
To commemorate the celebration of St. Joseph's Day on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in
recognition of the cultural and historic links between Italy and Louisiana and to
establish the Italian American Legislative Caucus.
WHEREAS, during the annual celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph, the Patron
Saint of Sicily and the universal Church, Italian Americans join with men, women, and
children of all ethnic origins to celebrate Saint Joseph and the rich heritage of Italy; and
WHEREAS, on Saint Joseph's Day, people throughout Louisiana and around the
world honor the tradition of the St. Joseph's Altar, a symbol of gratitude and community that
reflects the spirit of compassion and providence; and
WHEREAS, Italian immigrants in the United States helped form the cultural
foundation of the nation, and those of Italian lineage today proudly maintain the traditions
of their ancestors through food, faith, and family; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana shares a strong cultural connection with Italy, especially in
New Orleans and the surrounding parishes that welcomed waves of Italian immigrants
during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, who made significant cultural
contributions to the state's agriculture, commerce, and culinary identity; and
WHEREAS, Italian immigrants brought with them a deep-rooted tradition of brass
band music, often arriving at the Port of New Orleans with their own cornets and trumpets,
which became a foundational element of the city's unique musical landscape; and
WHEREAS, classically trained musicians and their descendants, including pioneers
such as "Papa" Jack Laine, Nick LaRocca, and Louis Prima, collaborated across cultural
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HR NO. 39 ENROLLED
lines to help fuse Italian operatic melodies and brass traditions with African rhythms; this
development played a pivotal role in the creation of the world-renowned genre of jazz; and
WHEREAS, the heritage of Italy is found in the timeless art, the enduring strength
of the Italian-American community, and the profound influence of Italian culture on the
unique fabric of Louisiana life.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commemorate the celebration of St. Joseph's Day on
Thursday, March 19, 2026, and does hereby recognize the cultural and historic links between
Italy and Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives does hereby
establish the Italian American Legislative Caucus of the Legislature of Louisiana to
represent and speak for Louisiana's Italian American citizens and to preserve and promote
the traditions of citizens of Italian heritage.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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