Don Fiore talks about his brand new Balbo Book. Nov. 18 2023 Presentation of Don Fiore's "Italo Balbo's Flight to the Chicago World's Fair 1933"
IN AN ERA WHEN TRANSATLANTIC TRAVEL WAS STILL
dangerous, Italy caused a sensation by announcing that its participation in the upcoming Century of Progress World’s Fair would be highlighted by an unprecedented formation flight from Rome to Chicago. Led by renowned aviator Italo Balbo, the squadron of two dozen sea planes accomplished a daring navigational feat that was commemorated by number of civic monuments that stand in Chicago to this day. Since the United States fought Italy in World War II, the monuments have weathered decades of intermittent controversy. Don Fiore provides a fascinating account of the complex legacy of Balbo's flight.
Don Fiore, a Chicago native, is a writer and advocate for
Italian history and culture. He's also been involved in music for 50 years as assistant manager of Caliendo's Banda Napoletana. He was awarded the title of Cavaliere by the Italian government in
2004 for his preservation efforts. Signed copies of the book for sale.



“Italo Balbo’s arrival in Chicago on July 15, 1933 was the proudest single point in the 170-year history of Italians in Chicago.”---Dominic Candeloro
To herald a new book about Italo Balbo 90 years after his famous flight to Chicago, the Casa Italia Library welcomes Don Fiore to present his new book on Balbo’s Flight. Though honoring Balbo has been controversial in retrospect, Italians in Chicago and throughout the country
were delighted to celebrate the good news of Balbo’s accomplishments, especially since most media coverage up to that time had been unfavorable to Italian Americans focusing on poverty, organized crime, the Sacco-Venzetti execution.

The program of the day will include original film of the event, a presentation by Don Fiore, and a panel discussion with Robert Allegrini (NIAF President) on Balbo's legacy in Italy, Frank Di Piero on his efforts to restore the Balbo Monument with Dominic Candeloro as moderator. Continental breakfast. Also on the panel was Carlo Vaniglia, president of Comites.