"The New York City Council has been a leader in the call for a Federal investigation into the treatment of Italian Americans during World War II," said former Speaker Peter F. Vallone. "I'm pleased that we were able to provide Council funding for this exhibit which explores the human dimensions of the Department of Justice report. School children throughout the city will now know the truth. I urge students of history of all ages to reflect on the important message of "Prisoners in Our Own Home."

City Council Speaker Gifford Miller said, "These so-called "enemy aliens" and their families were, in fact, loyal Americans. More than a half million Italian Americans fought against the Axis powers, including 70,000 servicemen who were sons of enemy aliens. Their sacrifice was great, yet Italian immigrants and their children suffered in silence during the war years, as this exhibit shows. Many changed their names, ceased speaking their ancestral language and shed cultural traditions to demonstrate beyond any doubt their loyalty to America. Sadly, the full impact on their culture may never be fully known."

Queens College President James Muyskens said, "This important exhibit reminds us all that the freedoms we cherish are freedoms every gene- ration must fight to preserve. I am especially pleased that this message will be taken to our school children over the coming months so that they may better understand the liberties many take for granted."